Composite carbon materials comprising lithium alloying electrochemical modifiers

ABSTRACT

The present application is generally directed to composites comprising a hard carbon material and an electrochemical modifier. The composite materials find utility in any number of electrical devices, for example, in lithium ion batteries. Methods for making the disclosed composite materials are also disclosed.

BACKGROUND

Technical Field

The present invention generally relates to composite carbon materials,methods for making the same and devices containing the same.

Description of the Related Art

Lithium-based electrical storage devices have potential to replacedevices currently used in any number of applications. For example,current lead acid automobile batteries are not adequate for nextgeneration all-electric and hybrid electric vehicles due toirreversible, stable sulfate formations during discharge. Lithium ionbatteries are a viable alternative to the lead-based systems currentlyused due to their capacity, and other considerations. Carbon is one ofthe primary materials used in both lithium secondary batteries andhybrid lithium-ion capacitors (LIC). The carbon anode typically storeslithium between layered graphite sheets through a mechanism calledintercalation. Traditional lithium ion batteries are comprised of agraphitic carbon anode and a metal oxide cathode; however such graphiticanodes typically suffer from low power performance and limited capacity.

Silicon, Tin, and other lithium alloying electrochemical modifiers havealso been proposed based on their ability to store very large amounts oflithium per unit weight. However, these materials are fundamentallylimited by the substantial swelling that occurs when they are fullylithiated. This swelling and shrinkage when the lithium is removedresults in an electrode that has limited cycle life and low power. Thesolution thus far has been to use very small amounts of alloyingelectrochemical modifier in a largely carbon electrode, but thisapproach does not impart the desired increase in lithium capacity.Finding a way to increase the alloying electrochemical modifier contentin an anode composition while maintaining cycle stability is desired toincrease capacity. A number of approaches have been utilized involvingnano-structured alloying electrochemical modifier, blends of carbon withalloying electrochemical modifier, or deposition of alloyingelectrochemical modifier onto carbon using vacuum or high temperature.However none of these processes has proven to combine a scalable processthat results in the desired properties.

Hard carbon materials have been proposed for use in lithium ionbatteries, but the physical and chemical properties of known hard carbonmaterials are not optimized for use as anodes in lithium-basedbatteries. Thus, anodes comprising known hard carbon materials stillsuffer from many of the disadvantages of limited capacity and low firstcycle efficiency. Hard carbon materials having properties optimized foruse in lithium-based batteries are expected to address thesedeficiencies and provide other related advantages.

While significant advances have been made in the field, there continuesto be a need in the art for improved hard carbon materials and forimprovements to the approaches used for incorporating alloyingelectrochemical modifiers into these carbons in order to result in thedesired material properties and electrochemical performance needed inelectrical energy storage devices (e.g., lithium ion batteries). Thepresent invention fulfills these needs and provides further relatedadvantages.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In general terms, the current invention is directed to novel hard carbonmaterials and their composites that contain high lithium capacityalloying electrochemical modifiers with optimized lithium storage andutilization properties. The novel composite materials find utility inany number of electrical energy storage devices, for example aselectrode material in lithium-based electrical energy storage devices(e.g., lithium ion batteries). Electrodes comprising the compositematerials display high reversible capacity, high first cycle efficiency,high power performance or any combination thereof. While not wishing tobe bound by theory, the present inventors believe that such improvedelectrochemical performance is related, at least in part, to the carbonmaterials' physical and chemical properties such as surface area, porestructure, crystallinity, surface chemistry and/or other properties, theapproach that is used to deposit the alloying electrochemical modifierand/or the resulting structure of the alloying electrochemical modifierwithin the carbon material as discussed in more detail herein.Furthermore, certain electrochemical modifiers can be incorporated onthe surface of and/or in the carbon material to further tune the desiredproperties.

Accordingly, in one embodiments the present disclosure provides acomposite material having a first cycle insertion of at least 700 mAh/gand a first cycle efficiency in the absence of ex situ prelithiation ofgreater than 70% when the composite material is incorporated into anelectrode of a lithium based energy storage device, wherein thecomposite material comprises a carbon material and a lithium alloyingelectrochemical modifier.

In certain embodiments, the first cycle insertion is at least 1000 mAh/gand the first cycle efficiency in the absence of ex situ prelithiationis greater than 80%. In other embodiments, the first cycle insertion isat least 2400 mAh/g and the first cycle efficiency in the absence of exsitu prelithiation is greater than 80%. In still other embodiments ofthe foregoing, the first cycle efficiency in the absence of ex situprelithiation is greater than 90%.

In other embodiments of any of the foregoing composites, the compositematerial further comprises a first cycle extraction of at least 600mAh/g and a fifth cycle retention of greater than 99%. For example, insome embodiments the first cycle extraction is at least 1200 mAh/g.

In various other embodiments of the disclosed composite materials thelithium alloying electrochemical modifier is silicon, tin, germanium,nickel, aluminum, manganese, Al₂O₃, titanium, titanium oxide, sulfur,molybdenum, arsenic, gallium, phosphorous, selenium, antimony, bismuth,tellurium or indium or combinations thereof. For example, in somespecific embodiments the lithium alloying electrochemical modifier issilicon.

Various forms of the composite are also provided. For example in someembodiments, the composite material comprises particles having acore-shell structure, wherein the shell comprises substantially thecarbon material and the core comprises substantially the electrochemicalmodifier. In other embodiments, the composite material comprisesparticles having a core-shell structure wherein the core comprisessubstantially the carbon material and the shell comprises substantiallythe electrochemical modifier. In still other embodiments, the compositematerial comprises particles of the carbon material, carbon materialparticles encapsulating a plurality of particles of the lithium alloyingelectrochemical modifier.

In certain embodiments, the electrochemical modifier comprisesnanoparticles. For example, in certain embodiments the electrochemicalmodifier comprises particles having a particle size ranging from 10 nmto 500 nm.

Various ratios of carbon and electrochemical modifier are present in thedisclosed composite materials. In some embodiments, a ratio of carbonmaterial to electrochemical modifier ranges from 40:1 to 1:99 on a massbasis. In other embodiments, a ratio of carbon material toelectrochemical modifier ranges from 19:1 to 1:9 on a mass basis.

In still more embodiments, the composite material further comprises anefficiency enhancing electrochemical modifier. For example, in someembodiments the efficiency enhancing electrochemical modifier comprisesphosphorus and in further embodiments the phosphorous is present in thecomposite material at 3-13% as measured by TXRF.

The presence of other elements in the composite material may affect theelectrochemical performance thereof. Accordingly, in some embodimentsthe composite material comprises a total of less than 200 ppm of allelements having atomic numbers ranging from 11 to 92, excluding anyintentionally added electrochemical modifier, as measured by TXRF.

In various embodiments of any of the foregoing, the carbon material is ahard carbon material.

In other aspects, the present disclosure is directed to a compositematerial having a first cycle extraction of at least 1900 mAh/g and afirst cycle efficiency in the absence of ex situ prelithiation ofgreater than 80% when the composite material is incorporated into anelectrode of a lithium based energy storage device, wherein thecomposite material comprises silicon and carbon material in a ratioranging from about 8.5:1 to about 9.5:1 by weight and further comprising3-13% phosphorus. In other related embodiments, the ratio of silicon tocarbon is about 9:1.

Methods for preparing the composite materials are also provided. Forexample, in one embodiment the disclosure provides a method forpreparing a composite material, the composite material comprising acarbon material and a lithium alloying electrochemical modifier, themethod comprising:

A) copolymerizing one or more polymer precursors in the presence of theelectrochemical modifier or a compound comprising the electrochemicalmodifier to obtain a polymer gel; and

B) pyrolyzing the polymer gel to obtain the composite material.

In further embodiments of the foregoing method, the polymer precursorcomprises polyphenylglycidylether-co-formaldehyde polymer, andcopolymerizing further comprises reacting the polymer precursors in thepresence of phosphoric acid.

In other embodiments of the method, the electrochemical modifiercomprises silicon. In still other embodiments, the electrochemicalmodifier or the compound comprising the electrochemical modifier isbrought into contact with a composition comprising the polymerprecursors before initiation of polymerization.

In different embodiments of the disclosed methods, the electrochemicalmodifier or the compound comprising the electrochemical modifier isbrought into contact with a composition comprising the polymerprecursors after initiation of polymerization.

In still other embodiments, the electrochemical modifier is in the formof particles, for example nanoparticles.

In still more embodiments, the disclosure is directed to an electrodecomprising any of the composite materials described herein. Devicescomprising such electrodes are also provided.

In more embodiments, an electrical energy storage device is provided,the device comprising:

a) at least one anode comprising any of the composite materialsdisclosed herein;

b) at least one cathode comprising a metal oxide; and

c) an electrolyte comprising lithium ions.

In further embodiments of the foregoing, the device is a lithium ionbattery or hybrid lithium ion capacitor.

Use of the disclosed composite materials for storage or distribution ofelectrical energy is also provided.

These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent upon referenceto the following detailed description. To this end, various referencesare set forth herein which describe in more detail certain backgroundinformation, procedures, compounds and/or compositions, and are eachhereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the figures, identical reference numbers identify similar elements.The sizes and relative positions of elements in the figures are notnecessarily drawn to scale and some of these elements are arbitrarilyenlarged and positioned to improve figure legibility. Further, theparticular shapes of the elements as drawn are not intended to conveyany information regarding the actual shape of the particular elements,and have been solely selected for ease of recognition in the figures.

FIG. 1 depicts pore size distribution of exemplary carbon materials.

FIG. 2 shows electrochemical performance of exemplary carbon materials.

FIG. 3 presents pore size distributions of exemplary carbon materials.

FIG. 4 depicts RAMAN spectra of exemplary carbon materials.

FIG. 5 is a plot of an x-ray diffraction pattern of exemplary carbonmaterials.

FIG. 6 shows an example SAXS plot along with the calculation of theempirical R value for determining internal pore structure.

FIG. 7 presents SAXS of three exemplary carbon materials.

FIG. 8a presents FTIR spectra of exemplary carbon materials.

FIG. 8b shows electrochemical performance of exemplary carbon materials.

FIG. 9 presents electrochemical performance of a carbon material beforeand after hydrocarbon surface treatment.

FIG. 10 is a graph showing pore size distribution of a carbon materialbefore and after hydrocarbon surface treatment

FIG. 11 presents first cycle voltage profiles of exemplary carbonmaterials.

FIG. 12 is a graph showing the electrochemical stability of an exemplarycarbon material compared to graphitic carbon.

FIG. 13 shows voltage versus specific capacity data for a silicon-carboncomposite material.

FIG. 14 shows a TEM of a silicon particle embedded into a hard carbonparticle

FIG. 15 depicts electrochemical performance of hard carbon materialscomprising an electrochemical modifier.

FIG. 16 shows electrochemical performance of hard carbon materialscomprising graphite.

FIG. 17 is a graph showing electrochemical performance of hard carbonmaterials comprising graphite.

FIG. 18 presents the differential capacity, the voltage profile and thestability of graphitic materials cycled at different voltage profiles.

FIG. 19 presents the differential capacity, the voltage profile and thestability of hard carbon materials cycled at different voltage profiles.

FIG. 20 is a graph of a wide angle XPS spectrum for an exemplary carbonmaterial.

FIG. 21 presents an Auger scan using XPS methods for an exemplary carbonmaterial having approximately 65% sp² hybridized carbons.

FIG. 22 depicts a SAXS measurement, internal pore analysis and domainsize of exemplary hard carbon material

FIG. 23 demonstrates the effect on pH as the pyrolysis temperatureincreases for a representative carbon material.

FIG. 24 shows Li:C ratio for an exemplary carbon material as a functionof pH from 7 to 7.5.

FIG. 25 presents the capacity of an exemplary, ultrapure hard carbon.

FIG. 26 is another graph showing the capacity of an exemplary, ultrapurehard carbon.

FIG. 27 presents specific extraction capacity data for exemplarycarbon-silicon composites.

FIG. 28 provides specific extraction capacity data for exemplarycarbon-silicon composites.

FIG. 29 provides first cycle efficiency data.

FIG. 30 shows FTIR spectra of neat epoxy resin (1), diluted phosphoricacid (2) and cured epoxy-P resin (3).

FIG. 31 shows the spectra from FIG. 30, sized to highlight thefingerprint region.

FIG. 32 shows the FTIR spectra of the neat epoxy resin (5), curedepoxy-P resin with 5% acid (4), 10% acid (1), 20% acid (3), and 40% acid(2). The viewing area of the spectra is sized to illustrate the epoxidebending absorbance band at ˜910 cm-1.

FIG. 33 presents example TGA data for polymer resin comprisingphosphoric acid demonstrating an exothermic event at about 250 C.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, certain specific details are set forth inorder to provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments.However, one skilled in the art will understand that the invention maybe practiced without these details. In other instances, well-knownstructures have not been shown or described in detail to avoidunnecessarily obscuring descriptions of the embodiments. Unless thecontext requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claimswhich follow, the word “comprise” and variations thereof, such as,“comprises” and “comprising” are to be construed in an open, inclusivesense, that is, as “including, but not limited to.” Further, headingsprovided herein are for convenience only and do not interpret the scopeor meaning of the claimed invention.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “anembodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristicdescribed in connection with the embodiment is included in at least oneembodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or“in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification arenot necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, theparticular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined inany suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Also, as used in thisspecification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and“the” include plural referents unless the content clearly dictatesotherwise. It should also be noted that the term “or” is generallyemployed in its sense including “and/or” unless the content clearlydictates otherwise.

As used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise, the followingterms have the meanings as specified below.

“Carbon material” refers to a material or substance comprisedsubstantially of carbon. Carbon materials include ultrapure as well asamorphous and crystalline carbon materials. Examples of carbon materialsinclude, but are not limited to, activated carbon, pyrolyzed driedpolymer gels, pyrolyzed polymer cryogels, pyrolyzed polymer xerogels,pyrolyzed polymer aerogels, activated dried polymer gels, activatedpolymer cryogels, activated polymer xerogels, activated polymer aerogelsand the like. “Carbon material” is also referred to herein as the“carbon component” with respect to the disclosed composites. Throughoutthe description herein, “carbon material” and/or “carbon component”refers to the carbon material or carbon component, respectively, in theabsence of electrochemical modifier (which is typically present in thedisclosed composites).

“Hard Carbon” refers to a non-graphitizable carbon material. At elevatedtemperatures (e.g., >1500° C.) a hard carbon remains substantiallyamorphous, whereas a “soft” carbon will undergo crystallization andbecome graphitic.

“Modified hard carbon” or “composite material” refer to materialcomprising both carbon and an electrochemical modifier such as a lithiumalloying material, such as silicon, tin, germanium, nickel, aluminum,manganese, Al₂O₃, titanium, titanium oxide, sulfur, molybdenum, arsenic,gallium, phosphorous, selenium, antimony, bismuth, tellurium or indiumor any other metal or semi-metal that is capable of lithium uptake. Insome embodiments, the carbon and lithium alloying material areintimately integrated through chemical bonding or in other embodimentsthe two materials are a distinct mixture between two powders. In someembodiments, the composite materials comprise an efficiency enhancer.

“Allotrope” refers to a material which can exists in different forms.C60, graphene, diamond, hard carbon, soft carbon, graphite, and carbonnanotubes are non-limiting examples of carbon allotropes.

“First cycle efficiency” refers to the percent difference in volumetricor gravimetric capacity between the initial charge and the firstdischarge cycle of a lithium battery. First cycle efficiency iscalculated by the following formula: (F²/F¹)×100), where F¹ and F² arethe volumetric or gravimetric capacity of the initial lithium insertionand the first cycle lithium extraction, respectively.

“Electrochemical modifier” refers to any chemical element, compoundcomprising a chemical element or any combination of different chemicalelements and compounds which enhances the electrochemical performance ofa carbon material. Electrochemical modifiers can change (increase ordecrease) the resistance, capacity, efficiency, power performance,stability and/or other properties of a carbon material. Electrochemicalmodifiers generally impart a desired electrochemical effect. Incontrast, an impurity in a carbon material is generally undesired andtends to degrade, rather than enhance, the electrochemical performanceof the carbon material. Examples of electrochemical modifiers within thecontext of the present disclosure include, but are not limited to,elements, and compounds or oxides comprising elements, in groups 12-15of the periodic table, other elements such as silicon, tin, sulfur, andtungsten and combinations thereof. For example, electrochemicalmodifiers include, but are not limited to, tin, silicon, tungsten,silver, zinc, molybdenum, iron, nickel, aluminum, manganese andcombinations thereof as well as oxides of the same and compoundscomprising the same. In certain embodiments, the electrochemicalmodifier is a lithium alloying material, such as silicon, tin,germanium, nickel, aluminum, manganese, Al₂O₃, titanium, titanium oxide,sulfur, molybdenum, arsenic, gallium, phosphorous, selenium, antimony,bismuth, tellurium or indium or any other metal or semi-metal that iscapable of lithium uptake.

“Efficiency enhancer” refers to a sub-class of electrochemical modifierthat can increase the first cycle efficiency of a carbon material. Incertain embodiments, the potency of an efficiency enhancer is dependenton the method of its incorporation into the carbon material.

“Group 12” elements include zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), andcopernicium (Cn).

“Group 13” elements include boron (B), aluminum (Al), gallium (Ga),indium (In) and thallium (Tl).

“Group 14” elements include carbon (C), silicon (Si), germanium (Ge),tin (Sn) and lead (Pb).

“Group 15” elements include nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P), arsenic (As),antimony (Sb) and bismuth (Bi).

“Amorphous” refers to a material, for example an amorphous carbonmaterial, whose constituent atoms, molecules, or ions are arrangedrandomly without a regular repeating pattern. Amorphous materials mayhave some localized crystallinity (i.e., regularity) but lack long-rangeorder of the positions of the atoms. Pyrolyzed and/or activated carbonmaterials are generally amorphous.

“Crystalline” refers to a material whose constituent atoms, molecules,or ions are arranged in an orderly repeating pattern. Examples ofcrystalline carbon materials include, but are not limited to, diamondand graphene.

“Synthetic” refers to a substance which has been prepared by chemicalmeans rather than from a natural source. For example, a synthetic carbonmaterial is one which is synthesized from precursor materials and is notisolated from natural sources.

“Impurity” or “impurity element” refers to an undesired foreignsubstance (e.g., a chemical element) within a material which differsfrom the chemical composition of the base material. For example, animpurity in a carbon material or composite material refers to anyelement or combination of elements, other than carbon, which is presentin the carbon material. Impurity levels are typically expressed in partsper million (ppm). Impurities do not include substances, such aselectrochemical modifiers, which are purposely added to a carbonmaterial or composite material.

“TXRF impurity,” “TXRF element,” “PIXE impurity” or “PIXE element” isany impurity element having an atomic number ranging from 11 to 92(i.e., from sodium to uranium), excluding any intentionally addedelectrochemical modifier. The phrases “total TXRF impurity content,”“total TXRF impurity level,” “total PIXE impurity content” and “totalPIXE impurity level” refer to the sum of all TXRF or PIXE impuritiespresent in a sample, for example, a polymer gel, a carbon material or acomposite material. Electrochemical modifiers are not considered TXRFPIXE impurities as they are a desired constituent of the compositematerials. For example, in some embodiments an element may be added to acarbon material as an electrochemical modifier and will not beconsidered a TXRF or PIXE impurity, while in other embodiments the sameelement may not be a desired electrochemical modifier and, if present inthe carbon material or composite material, will be considered a TXRF orPIXE impurity. TXRF impurity concentrations and identities may bedetermined by total x-ray reflection fluorescence (TXRF). PIXE impurityconcentrations and identities may be determined by proton induced x-rayemission (PIXE).

“Ultrapure” refers to a substance having a total TXRF or PIXE impuritycontent of less than 0.050%. For example, an “ultrapure carbon material”is a carbon material having a total TXRF or PIXE impurity content ofless than 0.050% (i.e., 500 Ppm).

“Ash content” refers to the nonvolatile inorganic matter which remainsafter subjecting a substance to a high decomposition temperature.Herein, the ash content of a carbon material is calculated from thetotal TXRF or PIXE impurity content as measured by total x-rayreflection fluorescence, assuming that nonvolatile elements arecompletely converted to expected combustion products (i.e., oxides).

“Polymer” refers to a macromolecule comprised of two or more structuralrepeating units.

“Synthetic polymer precursor material” or “polymer precursor” refers tocompounds used in the preparation of a synthetic polymer. Examples ofpolymer precursors that can be used in certain embodiments of thepreparations disclosed herein include, but are not limited to, aldehydes(i.e., HC(═O)R, where R is an organic group), such as for example,methanal (formaldehyde); ethanal (acetaldehyde); propanal(propionaldehyde); butanal (butyraldehyde); glucose; benzaldehyde andcinnamaldehyde. Other exemplary polymer precursors include, but are notlimited to, phenolic compounds such as phenol and polyhydroxy benzenes,such as dihydroxy or trihydroxy benzenes, for example, resorcinol (i.e.,1,3-dihydroxy benzene), catechol, hydroquinone, and phloroglucinol.Mixtures of two or more polyhydroxy benzenes are also contemplatedwithin the meaning of polymer precursor.

“Monolithic” refers to a solid, three-dimensional structure that is notparticulate in nature.

“Sol” refers to a colloidal suspension of precursor particles (e.g.,polymer precursors), and the term “gel” refers to a wetthree-dimensional porous network obtained by condensation or reaction ofthe precursor particles.

“Polymer gel” refers to a gel in which the network component is apolymer; generally a polymer gel is a wet (aqueous or non-aqueous based)three-dimensional structure comprised of a polymer formed from syntheticprecursors or polymer precursors.

“Sol gel” refers to a sub-class of polymer gel where the polymer is acolloidal suspension that forms a wet three-dimensional porous networkobtained by reaction of the polymer precursors.

“Polymer hydrogel” or “hydrogel” refers to a subclass of polymer gel orgel wherein the solvent for the synthetic precursors or monomers iswater or mixtures of water and one or more water-miscible solvent.

“Acid” refers to any substance that is capable of lowering the pH of asolution. Acids include Arrhenius, Brønsted and Lewis acids. A “solidacid” refers to a dried or granular compound that yields an acidicsolution when dissolved in a solvent. The term “acidic” means having theproperties of an acid.

“Base” refers to any substance that is capable of raising the pH of asolution. Bases include Arrhenius, Brønsted and Lewis bases. A “solidbase” refers to a dried or granular compound that yields basic solutionwhen dissolved in a solvent. The term “basic” means having theproperties of a base.

“Miscible” refers to the property of a mixture wherein the mixture formsa single phase over certain ranges of temperature, pressure, andcomposition.

“Catalyst” is a substance which alters the rate of a chemical reaction.Catalysts participate in a reaction in a cyclic fashion such that thecatalyst is cyclically regenerated. The present disclosure contemplatescatalysts which are sodium free. The catalyst used in the preparation ofa ultrapure polymer gel as described herein can be any compound thatfacilitates the polymerization of the polymer precursors to form anultrapure polymer gel. A “volatile catalyst” is a catalyst which has atendency to vaporize at or below atmospheric pressure. Exemplaryvolatile catalysts include, but are not limited to, ammoniums salts,such as ammonium bicarbonate, ammonium carbonate, ammonium hydroxide,and combinations thereof.

“Solvent” refers to a substance which dissolves or suspends reactants(e.g., ultrapure polymer precursors) and provides a medium in which areaction may occur. Examples of solvents useful in the preparation ofthe gels, ultrapure polymer gels, ultrapure synthetic carbon materialsand ultrapure synthetic amorphous carbon materials disclosed hereininclude, but are not limited to, water, alcohols and mixtures thereof.Exemplary alcohols include ethanol, t-butanol, methanol and mixturesthereof. Such solvents are useful for dissolution of the syntheticultrapure polymer precursor materials, for example dissolution of aphenolic or aldehyde compound. In addition, in some processes suchsolvents are employed for solvent exchange in a polymer hydrogel (priorto freezing and drying), wherein the solvent from the polymerization ofthe precursors, for example, resorcinol and formaldehyde, is exchangedfor a pure alcohol. In one embodiment of the present application, acryogel is prepared by a process that does not include solvent exchange.

“Dried gel” or “dried polymer gel” refers to a gel or polymer gel,respectively, from which the solvent, generally water, or mixture ofwater and one or more water-miscible solvents, has been substantiallyremoved.

“Pyrolyzed dried polymer gel” refers to a dried polymer gel which hasbeen pyrolyzed but not yet activated, while an “activated dried polymergel” refers to a dried polymer gel which has been activated.

“Carbonizing”, “pyrolyzing”, “carbonization” and “pyrolysis” each referto the process of heating a carbon-containing substance at a pyrolysisdwell temperature in an inert atmosphere (e.g., argon, nitrogen orcombinations thereof) or in a vacuum such that the targeted materialcollected at the end of the process is primarily carbon. “Pyrolyzed”refers to a material or substance, for example a carbon material, whichhas undergone the process of pyrolysis.

“Dwell temperature” refers to the temperature of the furnace during theportion of a process which is reserved for maintaining a relativelyconstant temperature (i.e., neither increasing nor decreasing thetemperature). For example, the pyrolysis dwell temperature refers to therelatively constant temperature of the furnace during pyrolysis, and theactivation dwell temperature refers to the relatively constanttemperature of the furnace during activation.

“Pore” refers to an opening or depression in the surface, or a tunnel ina carbon material, such as for example activated carbon, pyrolyzed driedpolymer gels, pyrolyzed polymer cryogels, pyrolyzed polymer xerogels,pyrolyzed polymer aerogels, activated dried polymer gels, activatedpolymer cryogels, activated polymer xerogels, activated polymer aerogelsand the like. A pore can be a single tunnel or connected to othertunnels in a continuous network throughout the structure.

“Pore structure” refers to the layout of the surface of the internalpores within a carbon material, such as an activated carbon material.Components of the pore structure include pore size, pore volume, surfacearea, density, pore size distribution and pore length. Generally thepore structure of activated carbon material comprises micropores andmesopores.

“Pore volume” refers to the total volume of the carbon mass occupied bypores or empty volume. The pores may be either internal (not accessibleby gas sorption) or external (accessible by gas sorption).

“Mesopore” generally refers to pores having a diameter between about 2nanometers and about 50 nanometers while the term “micropore” refers topores having a diameter less than about 2 nanometers. Mesoporous carbonmaterials comprise greater than 50% of their total pore volume inmesopores while microporous carbon materials comprise greater than 50%of their total pore volume in micropores.

“Surface area” refers to the total specific surface area of a substancemeasurable by the BET technique. Surface area is typically expressed inunits of m²/g. The BET (Brunauer/Emmett/Teller) technique employs aninert gas, for example nitrogen, to measure the amount of gas adsorbedon a material and is commonly used in the art to determine theaccessible surface area of materials.

“Electrode” refers to a conductor through which electricity enters orleaves an object, substance or region.

“Binder” refers to a material capable of holding individual particles ofa substance (e.g., a carbon material) together such that after mixing abinder and the particles together the resulting mixture can be formedinto sheets, pellets, disks or other shapes. Non-exclusive examples ofbinders include fluoro polymers, such as, for example, PTFE(polytetrafluoroethylene, Teflon), PFA (perfluoroalkoxy polymer resin,also known as Teflon), FEP (fluorinated ethylene propylene, also knownas Teflon), ETFE (polyethylenetetrafluoroethylene, sold as Tefzel andFluon), PVF (polyvinyl fluoride, sold as Tedlar), ECTFE(polyethylenechlorotrifluoroethylene, sold as Halar), PVDF(polyvinylidene fluoride, sold as Kynar), PCTFE(polychlorotrifluoroethylene, sold as Kel-F and CTFE), trifluoroethanoland combinations thereof.

“Inert” refers to a material that is not active in the electrolyte of anelectrical energy storage device, that is it does not absorb asignificant amount of ions or change chemically, e.g., degrade.

“Conductive” refers to the ability of a material to conduct electronsthrough transmission of loosely held valence electrons.

“Current collector” refers to a part of an electrical energy storageand/or distribution device which provides an electrical connection tofacilitate the flow of electricity in to, or out of, the device. Currentcollectors often comprise metal and/or other conductive materials andmay be used as a backing for electrodes to facilitate the flow ofelectricity to and from the electrode.

“Electrolyte” means a substance containing free ions such that thesubstance is electrically conductive. Electrolytes are commonly employedin electrical energy storage devices. Examples of electrolytes include,but are not limited to, solvents such as propylene carbonate, ethylenecarbonate, butylene carbonate, dimethyl carbonate, methyl ethylcarbonate, diethyl carbonate, sulfolane, methylsulfolane, acetonitrileor mixtures thereof in combination with solutes such astetralkylammonium salts such as LiPF₆ (lithium hexafluorophosphate),LiBOB (lithium bis(oxatlato)borate, TEA TFB (tetraethylammoniumtetrafluoroborate), MTEATFB (methyltriethylammonium tetrafluoroborate),EMITFB (1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate),tetraethylammonium, triethylammonium based salts or mixtures thereof. Insome embodiments, the electrolyte can be a water-based acid orwater-based base electrolyte such as mild aqueous sulfuric acid oraqueous potassium hydroxide.

“Elemental form” refers to a chemical element having an oxidation stateof zero (e.g., metallic lead).

“Oxidized form” form refers to a chemical element having an oxidationstate greater than zero.

“Skeletal density” refers to the density of the material includinginternal porosity and excluding external porosity as measured by heliumpycnometry

“Lithium uptake” refers to a carbon's ability to intercalate, absorb, orstore lithium as measured as a ratio between the maximum number oflithium atoms to 6 carbon atoms.

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (“XPS”) is a spectroscopic techniquefor quantitating a material's elemental composition and providesinformation on chemical state and electronic state of elements thatexist within a material.

A. Carbon Materials

As noted above, traditional lithium based energy storage devicescomprise graphitic anode material. The disadvantages of graphitic carbonare numerous in lithium ion batteries. For one, the graphite undergoes aphase and volume change during battery operation. That is, the materialphysically expands and contracts when lithium is inserted between thegraphene sheets while the individual sheets physically shift laterallyto maintain a low energy storage state. Secondly, graphite has a lowcapacity. Given the ordered and crystalline structure of graphite, ittakes six carbons to store one lithium ion. The structure is not able toaccommodate additional lithium. Thirdly, the movement of lithium ions isrestricted to a 2D plane, reducing the kinetics and the rate capabilityof the material in a battery. This means that graphite does not performwell at high rates where power is needed. This power disadvantage is oneof the limiting factors for using lithium ion batteries in all-electricvehicles.

Although hard carbon anodes for lithium-based devices have beenexplored, these carbon materials are generally low purity and lowsurface area and the known devices still suffer from poor powerperformance and low first cycle efficiency. The presently disclosedcomposite materials comprise hard carbon materials which are optimizedfor use in lithium-based devices and which exceed the performancecharacteristics of other known devices.

1. Modified Hard Carbon Materials and Components Thereof

As noted above, the present disclosure is directed to compositematerials useful as anode material in lithium-based (or sodium-based)and other electrical storage devices. While not wishing to be bound bytheory, it is believed that the electrochemical modifier content of acomposite, electrochemical modifier structure within the composite,purity profile of the carbon, surface area of the carbon, porosity ofthe carbon and/or other properties of the carbon materials are related,at least in part, to its preparation method, and variation of thepreparation parameters may yield composite materials having differentproperties. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the composite material isa pyrolyzed polymer gel with a high silicon content.

The disclosed composite materials improve the properties of any numberof electrical energy storage devices, for example the compositematerials have been shown to improve the first cycle efficiency of alithium-based battery (see e.g., FIG. 2). Accordingly, one embodiment ofthe present disclosure provides a composite material, wherein thecomposite material has a first cycle efficiency of greater than 50% whenthe composite material is incorporated into an electrode of a lithiumbased energy storage device, for example a lithium ion battery. Forexample, some embodiments provide a composite material having a surfacearea of greater than 50 m²/g, wherein the composite material has a firstcycle efficiency of greater than 50% and a reversible capacity of atleast 600 mAh/g when the composite material is incorporated into anelectrode of a lithium based energy storage device. In otherembodiments, the first cycle efficiency is greater than 55%. In someother embodiments, the first cycle efficiency is greater than 60%. Inyet other embodiments, the first cycle efficiency is greater than 65%.In still other embodiments, the first cycle efficiency is greater than70%. In other embodiments, the first cycle efficiency is greater than75%, and in other embodiments, the first cycle efficiency is greaterthan 80%, greater than 90%, greater than 95%, greater than 98%, orgreater than 99%. In some embodiments of the foregoing, the compositematerials also comprise a surface area ranging from about 5 m²/g toabout 400 m²/g. or a pore volume ranging from about 0.05 to about 1.0cc/g or both. For example, in some embodiments the surface area rangesfrom about 200 m²/g to about 300 m²/g or the surface area is about 250m²/g.

In other embodiments the composite material has a surface area of lessthan 50 m²/g, wherein the composite material has a first cycleefficiency of greater than 50% and a reversible capacity of at least 600mAh/g when the composite material is incorporated into an electrode of alithium based energy storage device. In other embodiments, the firstcycle efficiency is greater than 55%. In some other embodiments, thefirst cycle efficiency is greater than 60%. In yet other embodiments,the first cycle efficiency is greater than 65%. In still otherembodiments, the first cycle efficiency is greater than 70%. In otherembodiments, the first cycle efficiency is greater than 75%, and inother embodiments, the first cycle efficiency is greater than 80%,greater than 90%, greater than 95%, greater than 98%, or greater than99%. In some other embodiments, the composite materials comprise asurface area ranging from about 5 m²/g to about 400 m²/g or a porevolume ranging from about 0.05 to about 1.0 cc/g or both. For example,in some embodiments the surface area ranges from about 200 m²/g to about300 m²/g or the surface area is about 250 m²/g.

The properties of the composite material (e.g., first cycle efficiency,capacity, etc.) can be determined by incorporating it into an electrode,known to those versed in the art. The composite is testedelectrochemically. The methods of testing may vary depending on thecarbon:electrochemical modifier composition, as known in the art. In oneexample, the composite material to be characterized is tested betweenupper and lower voltages of 1.0V and 10 mV at a current of 400 mA/g,after two formation cycles between 1.0V and 70 mV at a current of 200mA/g, with respect to the mass of the composite material. Alternatively,the composite materials are tested by limiting the capacity at apredefined value and measuring the stability and voltage fluctuations ofthe composite.

The first cycle efficiency of the composite anode material can bedetermined by comparing the lithium inserted into the anode during thefirst cycle to the lithium extracted from the anode on the first cycle(without any ex situ prelithiation). Alternatively, the compositematerial can be prelithiated before the first cycle. This process ofprelithiation as described in the art, may be conducted to increase thefirst cycle efficiency. When the insertion and extraction are equal, theefficiency is 100%. As known in the art, the anode material can betested in a half cell, where the counter electrode is lithium metal, theelectrolyte is a 1M LiPF₆ 1:1 ethylene carbonate:diethylcarbonate(EC:DEC), using a commercial polypropylene separator.

In some embodiments, the first cycle efficiency of the compositematerial is between 10% and 99.9%. In other embodiments, the first cycleefficiency of the composite material is between 50% and 98%. In yetother embodiments, the first cycle efficiency of the composite materialis between 80% and 95%. In still other embodiments, the first cycleefficiency of the composite material is between 85% and 90%. In anotherembodiment the first cycle efficiency is around 80%.

The third cycle efficiency of the composite material can be determinedby comparing the lithium inserted into the anode during the third cycleto the lithium extraction from the anode on the third cycle in a halfcell. In some embodiments, the third cycle efficiency is between 90% and100%, 95% and 100%, 99% and 99.999%, 99.95% and 99.99%.

In certain embodiments of the above, the composite material is used asanode material.

In another embodiment the present disclosure provides a compositematerial, wherein the carbon material component of the composite has avolumetric capacity (i.e., reversible capacity) of at least 400 mAh/ccwhen the carbon material is incorporated into an electrode of a lithiumbased energy storage device, for example a lithium ion battery. Thevolumetric capacity of the carbon materials can be calculated frommultiplying the maximum gravimetric capacity (mAh/g) with thepycnometer, skeletal density (g/cc). In other embodiments, thevolumetric capacity is at least 450 mAh/cc. In some other embodiments,the volumetric capacity is at least 500 mAh/cc. In yet otherembodiments, the volumetric capacity is at least 550 mAh/cc. In stillother embodiments, the volumetric capacity is at least 600 mAh/cc. Inother embodiments, the volumetric capacity is at least 650 mAh/cc, andin other embodiments, the volumetric capacity is at least 700 mAh/cc. Inanother embodiment, the volumetric capacity of the carbon component ofthe composite ranges from 700 to 1100 mAh/cc.

In another embodiment the present disclosure provides a compositematerial, wherein the carbon material component has a gravimetriccapacity (i.e., reversible capacity) of at least 150 mAh/g when thecarbon material is incorporated into an electrode of a lithium basedenergy storage device, for example a lithium ion battery. In otherembodiments, the gravimetric capacity is at least 200 mAh/g. In someother embodiments, the gravimetric capacity is at least 300 mAh/g. Inyet other embodiments, the gravimetric capacity is at least 400 mAh/g.In still other embodiments, the gravimetric capacity is at least 500mAh/g. In other embodiments, the gravimetric capacity is at least 600mAh/g, and in other embodiments, the gravimetric capacity is at least700 mAh/g, at least 800 mAh/g, at least 900 mAh/g, at least 1000 mAh/g,at least 1100 mAh/g or even at least 1200 mAh/g. In yet otherembodiments, the gravimetric capacity ranges from 1200 to 3500 mAh/g. Insome particular embodiments the carbon materials have a gravimetriccapacity ranging from about 550 mAh/g to about 750 mAh/g. Certainexamples of any of the above carbons comprise an electrochemicalmodifier as described in more detail below.

In another embodiment the present disclosure provides a compositematerial, wherein the composite has a gravimetric capacity (i.e.,reversible capacity) of at least 150 mAh/g when the composite materialis incorporated into an electrode of a lithium based energy storagedevice, for example a lithium ion battery. In other embodiments, thegravimetric capacity is at least 200 mAh/g. In some other embodiments,the gravimetric capacity is at least 300 mAh/g. In yet otherembodiments, the gravimetric capacity is at least 400 mAh/g. In stillother embodiments, the gravimetric capacity is at least 500 mAh/g. Inother embodiments, the gravimetric capacity is at least 600 mAh/g, andin other embodiments, the gravimetric capacity is at least 700 mAh/g, atleast 800 mAh/g, at least 900 mAh/g, at least 1000 mAh/g, at least 1100mAh/g or even at least 1200 mAh/g. In yet other embodiments, thegravimetric capacity is between 1200 and 3500 mAh/g. In some particularembodiments the composite materials have a gravimetric capacity rangingfrom about 550 mAh/g to about 750 mAh/g.

In another embodiment the present disclosure provides a compositematerial, wherein the composite has a gravimetric capacity (i.e.,reversible capacity) of at least 400 mAh/g when the composite materialis incorporated into an electrode of a lithium based energy storagedevice, for example a lithium ion battery. In other embodiments, thegravimetric capacity is at least 450 mAh/g. In some other embodiments,the gravimetric capacity is at least 500 mAh/g. In yet otherembodiments, the gravimetric capacity is at least 600 mAh/g. In stillother embodiments, the gravimetric capacity is at least 700 mAh/g. Inother embodiments, the gravimetric capacity is at least 800 mAh/g, andin other embodiments, the gravimetric capacity is at least 900 mAh/g, atleast 1000 mAh/g, at least 1100 mAh/g, at least 1200 mAh/g, at least1300 mAh/g or even at least 1400 mAh/g. In yet other embodiments, thegravimetric capacity is between 1400 and 4200 mAh/g. In some particularembodiments the composite materials have a gravimetric capacity rangingfrom about 1200 mAh/g to about 1600 mAh/g.

In another embodiment the present disclosure provides a compositematerial, wherein the composite has a volumetric capacity (i.e.,reversible capacity) of at least 800 mAh/cc when the composite materialis incorporated into an electrode of a lithium based energy storagedevice, for example a lithium ion battery. The volumetric capacity ofthe composite materials can be calculated from multiplying the maximumgravimetric capacity (mAh/g) with the pycnometer, skeletal density(g/cc) prior to electrochemical testing. In other embodiments, thegravimetric capacity is at least 900 mAh/cc. In some other embodiments,the gravimetric capacity is at least 1000 mAh/cc. In yet otherembodiments, the gravimetric capacity is at least 1100 mAh/cc. In stillother embodiments, the gravimetric capacity is at least 1200 mAh/cc. Inother embodiments, the gravimetric capacity is at least 1300 mAh/cc, andin other embodiments, the gravimetric capacity is at least 1400 mAh/cc,at least 1500 mAh/cc, at least 1600 mAh/cc, at least 1700 mAh/cc, atleast 1800 mAh/cc or even at least 1900 mAh/cc. In yet otherembodiments, the gravimetric capacity is between 2000 and 8000 mAh/cc.In still other embodiments, the gravimetric capacity is between 4000 and7000 mAh/cc. In some particular embodiments the composite materials havea gravimetric capacity ranging from about 2500 mAh/cc to about 3500mAh/cc. The volumetric and gravimetric capacity can be determinedthrough the use of any number of methods known in the art, for exampleby incorporating into an electrode half cell with lithium metal counterelectrode in a coin cell. The gravimetric specific capacity isdetermined by dividing the measured capacity by the mass of theelectrochemically active carbon materials. The volumetric specificcapacity is determined by dividing the measured capacity by the volumeof the electrode, including binder and conductivity additive. Methodsfor determining the volumetric and gravimetric capacity are described inmore detail in the Examples.

In addition to various electrochemical modifiers (such as lithiumalloying elements), the composite materials comprise lithium metal insome embodiments, either through doping or through electrochemicalcycling, in the pores of the carbon component. Lithium plating withinpores is seen as beneficial to both the capacity and cycling stabilityof the hard carbon in some embodiments. Plating within the pores canyield novel nanofiber lithium. In some cases lithium is plated on theoutside of the particle. In certain embodiments, the present inventorsbelieve external lithium plating is detrimental to the overallperformance as explained in the examples. The presence of both internaland external lithium metal may be measured by cutting a material using afocused ion beam (FIB) and a scanning electron microscope (SEM).Metallic lithium is easily detected in contrast to hard carbon in anSEM. After cycling, and when the material has lithium inserted below 0V,the carbon may be sliced and imaged. In one embodiment the carbondisplays lithium in the micropores. In another embodiment the carbondisplays lithium in the mesopores. In still another embodiment, thecarbon displays no lithium plating on the surface of the carbon. In yetstill another embodiment carbon is stored in multiple pore sizes andshapes. The material shape and pore size distribution may uniquely andpreferentially promote pore plating prior to surface plating. Ideal poresize for lithium storage is explained below.

In certain embodiments, the particle size distribution of the compositematerials is believed to contribute to power performance and/orvolumetric capacity. As the packing improves, the volumetric capacitywill typically increase. In one embodiment the particle sizedistributions are either Gaussian with a single peak in shape, bimodal,or polymodal (>2 distinct peaks). The properties of particle size of thecomposite can be described by the D0 (smallest particle in thedistribution), D50 (average particle size) and D100 (maximum size of thelargest particle). The optimal combination of particle packing andperformance will be some combination of the size ranges below.

In one embodiment the D0 of the composite ranges from 1 nm to 5 microns.In another embodiment the D0 of the composite ranges from 5 nm to 1micron, 5 nm to 500 nm, 5 nm to 100 nm or 10 nm to 50 nm. In anotherembodiment the D0 of the composite ranges from 500 to 2 microns, 750 nmto 1 micron or 1 microns to 2 microns. In still another embodiment, theD0 of the composite ranges from 2 to 5 microns or even greater than 5microns.

In one embodiment the D50 of the composite ranges from 5 nm to 20microns. In another embodiment the D50 of the composite ranges from 5 nmto 1 micron, 5 nm to 500 nm, 5 nm to 100 nm or 10 nm to 50 nm. Inanother embodiment the D50 of the composite ranges from 500 to 2microns, 750 nm to 1 micron or 1 microns to 2 microns. In still anotherembodiment, the D50 of the composite ranges from 2 to 20 microns, 3microns to 10 microns, 4 microns to 8 microns or is greater than 20microns.

In one embodiment the D100 of the composite ranges from 8 nm to 100microns. In another embodiment the D100 of the composite ranges from 5nm to 1 micron, 5 nm to 500 nm, 5 nm to 100 nm or 10 nm to 50 nm. Inanother embodiment the D100 of the composite ranges from 500 to 2microns, 750 nm to 1 micron or 1 microns to 2 microns. In still anotherembodiment, the D100 of the composite ranges from 2 to 100 microns, 5 to50 microns, 8 to 40 microns, 10 to 35 microns, 15 to 30 microns, 20 to30 microns, about 25 microns or greater than 100 microns.

In still other embodiments the present disclosure provides a compositematerial, wherein when the composite material is incorporated into anelectrode of a lithium based energy storage device the compositematerial has a volumetric capacity at least 10% greater than when thelithium based energy storage device comprises a graphite electrode. Insome embodiments, the lithium based energy storage device is a lithiumion battery. In other embodiments, the composite material has avolumetric capacity in a lithium based energy storage device that is atleast 5% greater, at least 10% greater or at least 15% greater than thevolumetric capacity of the same electrical energy storage device havinga graphite electrode. In still other embodiments, the composite materialhas a volumetric capacity in a lithium based energy storage device thatis at least 20% greater, at least 30% greater, at least 40% greater, atleast 50% greater, at least 200% greater, at least 100% greater, atleast 150% greater, or at least 200% greater than the volumetriccapacity of the same electrical energy storage device having a graphiteelectrode.

While not wishing to be bound by theory, the present applicants believethe superior properties of the disclosed composite materials is related,at least in part, to its unique properties such as surface area, purity,pore structure, crystallinity and/or surface chemistry, etc. Forexample, in some embodiments the specific surface area (as measured byBET analysis or in other embodiments by using CO₂ absorption) of thecomposite materials may be low (<50 m²/g), medium (from about 50 m²/g toabout 100 m²/g) or high (>100 m²/g) or have a surface area that spansone or more of these ranges. For example, in some embodiments thesurface area ranges from about 0.1 m²/g to about 50 m²/g for examplefrom about 1 m²/g to about 20 m²/g. In other particular embodiments, thesurface area ranges from about 5 m²/g to about 10 m²/g for example thesurface area may be about 8 m²/g.

In some embodiments, the specific surface area of the compositematerials is less than about 100 m²/g. In other embodiments, thespecific surface area is less than about 50 m²/g. In other embodiments,the specific surface area is less than about 20 m²/g. In otherembodiments, the specific surface area is less than about 10 m²/g. Inother embodiments, the specific surface area is less than about 5 m²/g.

In some embodiments the surface area of the composite materials rangesfrom about 1 m²/g to about 50 m²/g. In some other embodiments thesurface area ranges from about 20 m²/g to about 50 m²/g. In yet otherembodiments the surface area ranges from about 1 m²/g to about 20 m²/g,for example from about 2 m²/g to about 15 m²/g. While not limiting inany way, some embodiments which comprise a surface area ranging fromabout 1 m²/g to about 20 m²/g for example from about 5 m²/g to about 10m²/g have also been found to have good first cycle efficiency (e.g.,>80%).

Other embodiments include composite materials comprising medium surfacearea (from 50 to 100 m²/g). In some embodiments the surface area rangesfrom about 50 m²/g to about 75 m²/g. In some other embodiments thesurface area ranges from about 50 m²/g to about 60 m²/g. In yet otherembodiments the surface area ranges from about 60 m²/g to about 100m²/g. In yet other embodiments the surface area ranges from about 60m²/g to about 80 m²/g.

In still other embodiments, the composite materials comprise highsurface area (>100 m²/g). In some embodiments the surface area rangesfrom about 100 m²/g to about 500 m²/g. In some other embodiments thesurface area ranges from about 100 m²/g to about 200 m²/g.

The surface area of the composite may be modified through activation.The activation method may use steam, chemical activation, CO₂ or othergasses. Methods for activation of carbon material are well known in theart.

The carbon material may be doped with lithium atoms, wherein the lithiumis in ionic form and not in the form of lithium metal. These lithiumatoms may or may not be able to be separated from the carbon. The numberof lithium atoms to 6 carbon atoms can be calculated by techniques knownto those familiar with the art:#Li=Q×3.6×MM/(C%×F)

Wherein Q is the lithium extraction capacity measured in mAh/g betweenthe voltages of 5 mV and 2.0V versus lithium metal, MM is 72 or themolecular mass of 6 carbons, F is Faraday's constant of 96500, C % isthe mass percent carbon present in the structure as measured by CHNO orXPS.

The material can be characterized by the ratio of lithium atoms tocarbon atoms (Li:C) which, in some embodiments, ranges from about 0:6 toabout 2:6. In some embodiments the Li:C ratio ranges from about 0.05:6to about 1.9:6. In other embodiments the maximum Li:C ratio wherein thelithium is in ionic and not metallic form is 2.2:6. In certain otherembodiments, the Li:C ratio ranges from about 1.2:6 to about 2:6, fromabout 1.3:6 to about 1.9:6, from about 1.4:6 to about 1.9:6, from about1.6:6 to about 1.8:6 or from about 1.7:6 to about 1.8:6. In otherembodiments, the Li:C ratio is greater than 1:6, greater than 1.2:6,greater than 1.4:6, greater than 1.6:6 or even greater than 1.8:6. Ineven other embodiments, the Li:C ratio is about 1.4:6, about 1.5:6,about 1.6:6, about 1.6:6, about 1.7:6, about 1.8:6 or about 2:6. In aspecific embodiment the Li:C ratio is about 1.78:6.

In certain other embodiments, the carbon materials comprise an Li:Cratio ranging from about 1:6 to about 2.5:6, from about 1.4:6 to about2.2:6 or from about 1.4:6 to about 2:6. In still other embodiments, thecarbon materials may not necessarily include lithium, but instead have alithium uptake capacity (i.e., the capability to uptake a certainquantity of lithium). While not wishing to be bound by theory, it isbelieved the lithium uptake capacity of the carbon materials contributesto their superior performance in lithium based energy storage devices.The lithium uptake capacity is expressed as a ratio of the atoms oflithium taken up by the carbon per atom of carbon. In certain otherembodiments, the carbon materials comprise a lithium uptake capacityranging from about 1:6 to about 2.5:6, from about 1.4:6 to about 2.2:6or from about 1.4:6 to about 2:6.

In certain other embodiments, the lithium uptake capacity ranges fromabout 1.2:6 to about 2:6, from about 1.3:6 to about 1.9:6, from about1.4:6 to about 1.9:6, from about 1.6:6 to about 1.8:6 or from about1.7:6 to about 1.8:6. In other embodiments, the lithium uptake capacityis greater than 1:6, greater than 1.2:6, greater than 1.4:6, greaterthan 1.6:6 or even greater than 1.8:6. In even other embodiments, theLi:C ratio is about 1.4:6, about 1.5:6, about 1.6:6, about 1.6:6, about1.7:6, about 1.8:6 or about 2:6. In a specific embodiment the Li:C ratiois about 1.78:6.

Different methods of doping lithium may include chemical reactions,electrochemical reactions, physical mixing of particles, gas phasereactions, solid phase reactions, and liquid phase reactions. In otherembodiments the lithium is in the form of lithium metal.

Since the total pore volume of the carbon component of the composite maypartially relate to the incorporation of large amounts ofelectrochemical modifier and hence the storage of lithium ions, theinternal ionic kinetics, as well as the available composite/electrolytesurfaces capable of charge-transfer, this is one parameter that can beadjusted in the carbon prior to incorporation of electrochemicalmodifier to obtain the desired electrochemical properties in the finalcomposite. Some embodiments include composite materials having carbonswith low total pore volume (e.g., less than about 0.1 cc/g). In oneembodiment, the total pore volume of the carbon without the addedelectrochemical modifier is less than about 0.01 cc/g. In anotherembodiment, the total pore volume of the carbon without electrochemicalmodifier is less than about 0.001 cc/g. In yet another embodiment, thetotal pore volume of the carbon without electrochemical modifier is lessthan about 0.0001 cc/g.

In one embodiment, the total pore volume of the composite materialsranges from about 0.00001 cc/g to about 0.1 cc/g, for example from about0.0001 cc/g to about 0.01 cc/g. In some other embodiments, the totalpore volume of the composite materials ranges from about 0.001 cc/g toabout 0.01 cc/g.

In other embodiments, the composite materials comprise a total porevolume of greater than or equal to 0.1 cc/g, and in other embodimentsthe composite materials comprise a total pore volume less than or equalto 0.6 cc/g. In other embodiments, the composite materials comprise atotal pore volume ranging from about 0.1 cc/g to about 0.6 cc/g. In someother embodiments, the total pore volume of the composite materialsranges from about 0.1 cc/g to about 0.2 cc/g. In some other embodiments,the total pore volume of the composite materials ranges from about 0.2cc/g to about 0.3 cc/g. In some other embodiments, the total pore volumeof the composite materials ranges from about 0.3 cc/g to about 0.4 cc/g.In some other embodiments, the total pore volume of the compositematerials ranges from about 0.4 cc/g to about 0.5 cc/g. In some otherembodiments, the total pore volume of the composite materials rangesfrom about 0.5 cc/g to about 0.6 cc/g.

In certain embodiments, the present invention also includes compositematerials having high total pore volume, for example greater than 0.6cc/g. In some other embodiments, the total pore volume of the compositematerials ranges from about 0.6 cc/g to about 2.0 cc/g. In some otherembodiments, the total pore volume of the composite materials rangesfrom about 0.6 cc/g to about 1.0 cc/g. In some other embodiments, thetotal pore volume of the composite materials ranges from about 1.0 cc/gto about 1.5 cc/g. In some other embodiments, the total pore volume ofthe composite materials ranges from about 1.5 cc/g to about 2.0 cc/g.

In some embodiments, the composite materials comprise a majority(e.g., >50%) of the total pore volume residing in pores of a certaindiameter. For example, in some embodiments greater than 50%, greaterthan 60%, greater than 70%, greater than 80%, greater than 90% or evengreater than 95% of the total pore volume resides in pores having adiameter of 1 nm or less. In other embodiments greater than 50%, greaterthan 60%, greater than 70%, greater than 80%, greater than 90% or evengreater than 95% of the total pore volume resides in pores having adiameter of 100 nm or less. In other embodiments greater than 50%,greater than 60%, greater than 70%, greater than 80%, greater than 90%or even greater than 95% of the total pore volume resides in poreshaving a diameter of 0.5 nm or less.

In some embodiments, the tap density of the composite materials ispredictive of their electrochemical performance, for example thevolumetric capacity. While not limiting in any way, the pore volume of acomposite material may be related to its tap density and composite shaving low pore volume are sometimes found to have high tap density (andvice versa). Accordingly, composite materials having low tap density(e.g., <0.3 g/cc), medium tap density (e.g., from 0.3 to 0.75 g/cc) orhigh tap density (e.g., >0.75 g/cc) are provided.

In some other embodiments, the composite materials comprise a tapdensity less than 0.3 g/cc. In yet some other embodiments, the compositematerials comprise a tap density ranging from about 0.05 g/cc to about0.25 g/cc. In some embodiments, the composite materials comprise a tapdensity ranging from about 0.1 g/cc to about 0.2 g/cc.

In yet some other embodiments, the composite materials comprise a tapdensity greater than or equal to 0.3 g/cc. In yet some otherembodiments, the composite materials comprise a tap density ranging fromabout 0.3 g/cc to about 0.75 g/cc. In some embodiments, the compositematerials comprise a tap density ranging from about 0.35 g/cc to about0.45 g/cc. In some other embodiments, the composite materials comprise atap density ranging from about 0.30 g/cc to about 0.40 g/cc. In someembodiments, the composite materials comprise a tap density ranging fromabout 0.40 g/cc to about 0.50 g/cc. In some embodiments, the compositematerials comprise a tap density ranging from about 0.5 g/cc to about0.75 g/cc. In some embodiments of the foregoing, the composite materialscomprise a medium total pore volume (e.g., from about 0.1 cc/g to about0.6 cc/g).

In yet some other embodiments, the composite materials comprise a tapdensity greater than about 0.5 g/cc. In some other embodiments, thecomposite materials comprise a tap density ranging from about 0.5 g/ccto about 2.0 g/cc. In some other embodiments, the composite materialscomprise a tap density ranging from about 0.5 g/cc to about 1.0 g/cc. Insome embodiments, the composite materials comprise a tap density rangingfrom about 0.5 g/cc to about 0.75 g/cc. In some embodiments, thecomposite materials comprise a tap density ranging from about 0.75 g/ccto about 1.0 g/cc, for example from about 0.75 g/cc to about 0.95 g/cc.In some embodiments of the foregoing, the composite materials comprise alow, medium or high tap density.

The density of the composite materials can also be characterized bytheir skeletal density as measured by helium pycnometry. In certainembodiments, the skeletal density of the composite materials ranges fromabout 1 g/cc to about 3 g/cc, for example from about 1.5 g/cc to about2.3 g/cc. In other embodiments, the skeletal density ranges from about1.5 cc/g to about 1.6 cc/g, from about 1.6 cc/g to about 1.7 cc/g, fromabout 1.7 cc/g to about 1.8 cc/g, from about 1.8 cc/g to about 1.9 cc/g,from about 1.9 cc/g to about 2.0 cc/g, from about 2.0 cc/g to about 2.1cc/g, from about 2.1 cc/g to about 2.2 cc/g or from about 2.2 cc/g toabout 2.4 cc/g.

In one embodiment, the total pore volume of the carbon component rangesfrom about 0.00001 cc/g to about 0.1 cc/g, for example from about 0.0001cc/g to about 0.01 cc/g. In some other embodiments, the total porevolume of the carbon component ranges from about 0.001 cc/g to about0.01 cc/g.

In other embodiments, the carbon component comprises a total pore volumeranging greater than or equal to 0.1 cc/g, and in other embodiments thecarbon component comprises a total pore volume less than or equal to 0.6cc/g. In other embodiments, the carbon component comprises a total porevolume ranging from about 0.1 cc/g to about 0.6 cc/g. In some otherembodiments, the total pore volume of the carbon component ranges fromabout 0.1 cc/g to about 0.2 cc/g. In some other embodiments, the totalpore volume of the carbon component ranges from about 0.2 cc/g to about0.3 cc/g. In some other embodiments, the total pore volume of the carboncomponent ranges from about 0.3 cc/g to about 0.4 cc/g. In some otherembodiments, the total pore volume of the carbon component ranges fromabout 0.4 cc/g to about 0.5 cc/g. In some other embodiments, the totalpore volume of the carbon component ranges from about 0.5 cc/g to about0.6 cc/g.

The present invention also includes composites comprising carboncomponents having high total pore volume, for example greater than 0.6cc/g. In some other embodiments, the total pore volume of the carboncomponent ranges from about 0.6 cc/g to about 2.0 cc/g. In some otherembodiments, the total pore volume of the carbon component ranges fromabout 0.6 cc/g to about 1.0 cc/g. In some other embodiments, the totalpore volume of the carbon component ranges from about 1.0 cc/g to about1.5 cc/g. In some other embodiments, the total pore volume of the carboncomponent ranges from about 1.5 cc/g to about 2.0 cc/g.

In some embodiments, the carbon component comprises a majority(e.g., >50%) of the total pore volume residing in pores of a certaindiameter. For example, in some embodiments greater than 50%, greaterthan 60%, greater than 70%, greater than 80%, greater than 90% or evengreater than 95% of the total pore volume resides in pores having adiameter of 1 nm or less. In other embodiments greater than 50%, greaterthan 60%, greater than 70%, greater than 80%, greater than 90% or evengreater than 95% of the total pore volume resides in pores having adiameter of 100 nm or less. In other embodiments greater than 50%,greater than 60%, greater than 70%, greater than 80%, greater than 90%or even greater than 95% of the total pore volume resides in poreshaving a diameter of 0.5 nm or less.

In some embodiments, the tap density of the carbon component ispredictive of its ability to incorporate electrochemical modifiers andhence electrochemical performance, for example the volumetric capacity.While not limiting in any way, the pore volume of a carbon component maybe related to its tap density and carbon components having low porevolume are sometimes found to have high tap density (and vice versa).Accordingly, carbon components having low tap density (e.g., <0.3 g/cc),medium tap density (e.g., from 0.3 to 0.5 g/cc) or high tap density(e.g., >0.5 g/cc) are provided as components of the composite.

In yet some other embodiments, the carbon component comprises a tapdensity greater than or equal to 0.3 g/cc. In yet some otherembodiments, the carbon component comprises a tap density ranging fromabout 0.3 g/cc to about 0.5 g/cc. In some embodiments, the carboncomponent comprises a tap density ranging from about 0.35 g/cc to about0.45 g/cc. In some other embodiments, the carbon component comprises atap density ranging from about 0.30 g/cc to about 0.40 g/cc. In someembodiments, the carbon component comprises a tap density ranging fromabout 0.40 g/cc to about 0.50 g/cc. In some embodiments of theforegoing, the carbon component comprises a medium total pore volume(e.g., from about 0.1 cc/g to about 0.6 cc/g).

In yet some other embodiments, the carbon component comprises a tapdensity greater than about 0.5 g/cc. In some other embodiments, thecarbon component comprises a tap density ranging from about 0.5 g/cc toabout 2.0 g/cc. In some other embodiments, the carbon componentcomprises a tap density ranging from about 0.5 g/cc to about 1.0 g/cc.In some embodiments, the carbon component comprises a tap densityranging from about 0.5 g/cc to about 0.75 g/cc. In some embodiments, thecarbon component comprises a tap density ranging from about 0.75 g/cc toabout 1.0 g/cc, for example from about 0.75 g/cc to about 0.95 g/cc. Insome embodiments of the foregoing, the carbon component comprises a low,medium or high total pore volume.

Their skeletal density as measured by helium pycnometry can alsocharacterize the density of the carbon component. In certainembodiments, the skeletal density of the carbon component ranges fromabout 1 g/cc to about 3 g/cc, for example from about 1.5 g/cc to about2.3 g/cc. In other embodiments, the skeletal density ranges from about1.5 cc/g to about 1.6 cc/g, from about 1.6 cc/g to about 1.7 cc/g, fromabout 1.7 cc/g to about 1.8 cc/g, from about 1.8 cc/g to about 1.9 cc/g,from about 1.9 cc/g to about 2.0 cc/g, from about 2.0 cc/g to about 2.1cc/g, from about 2.1 cc/g to about 2.2 cc/g or from about 2.2 cc/g toabout 2.3 cc/g.

The properties of the carbon component can easily be measured beforeincorporation of the electrochemical modifier. The properties of thecarbon component can also be measured by removal of the electrochemicalmodifier after the fact. In the case of silicon this can easily beaccomplished by dissolving the silicon with a solvent that does notimpact the carbon and then measuring the properties of the carbonwithout electrochemical modifier.

As discussed in more detail below, the surface functionality of thepresently disclosed composite materials may be altered to obtain thedesired electrochemical properties. One property which can be predictiveof surface functionality is the pH of the composite materials. Thepresently disclosed composite materials comprise pH values ranging fromless than 1 to about 14, for example less than 5, from 5 to 8 or greaterthan 8. In some embodiments, the pH of the composite materials is lessthan 4, less than 3, less than 2 or even less than 1. In otherembodiments, the pH of the composite materials is between about 5 and 6,between about 6 and 7, between about 7 and 8 or between 8 and 9 orbetween 9 and 10. In still other embodiments, the pH is high and the pHof the composite materials ranges is greater than 8, greater than 9,greater than 10, greater than 11, greater than 12, or even greater than13.

Pore size distribution of the carbon component may, in some embodiments,contribute to both the storage capacity of the composite material andthe kinetics and power capability of the system as well as the abilityto incorporate large amounts of electrochemical modifiers. The pore sizedistribution can range from micro to meso to macro (see e.g., FIG. 1)and may be either monomodal, bimodal or multimodal (i.e., may compriseone or more different distribution of pore sizes, see e.g., FIG. 3).Micropores, with average pore sizes less than 1 nm, may createadditional storage sites as well as lithium (or sodium) ion diffusionpaths. Graphite sheets typically are spaced 0.33 nm apart for lithiumstorage. While not wishing to be bound by theory, it is thought thatlarge quantities of pores of similar size may yield graphite-likestructures within pores with additional hard carbon-type storage in thebulk structure. Mesopores are typically below 100 nm. These pores areideal locations for nano particle dopants, such as metals, and providepathways for both conductive additive and electrolyte for ion andelectron conduction. In some embodiments the carbon materials comprisemacropores greater than 100 nm which may be especially suited for largeparticle doping.

Pore size distribution of the composite may be important to both thestorage capacity of the material and the kinetics and power capabilityof the system as well as the ability to incorporate large amounts ofelectrochemical modifiers. The pore size distribution can range frommicro to meso to macro and may be either monomodal, bimodal ormultimodal. In some embodiments the composite materials comprisemicropores less than 100 nm which may be especially suited for lithiumdiffusion.

Accordingly, in one embodiment, the carbon material comprises afractional pore volume of pores at or below 1 nm that comprises at least50% of the total pore volume, at least 75% of the total pore volume, atleast 90% of the total pore volume or at least 99% of the total porevolume. In other embodiments, the carbon material comprises a fractionalpore volume of pores at or below 10 nm that comprises at least 50% ofthe total pore volume, at least 75% of the total pore volume, at least90% of the total pore volume or at least 99% of the total pore volume.In other embodiments, the carbon material comprises a fractional porevolume of pores at or below 50 nm that comprises at least 50% of thetotal pore volume, at least 75% of the total pore volume, at least 90%of the total pore volume or at least 99% of the total pore volume.

In another embodiment, the carbon material comprises a fractional poresurface area of pores at or below 100 nm that comprises at least 50% ofthe total pore surface area, at least 75% of the total pore surfacearea, at least 90% of the total pore surface area or at least 99% of thetotal pore surface area. In another embodiment, the carbon materialcomprises a fractional pore surface area of pores at or greater than 100nm that comprises at least 50% of the total pore surface area, at least75% of the total pore surface area, at least 90% of the total poresurface area or at least 99% of the total pore surface area.

In another embodiment, the carbon material comprises pores predominantlyin the range of 100 nm or lower, for example 10 nm or lower, for example5 nm or lower. Alternatively, the carbon material comprises microporesin the range of 0-2 nm and mesopores in the range of 2-100 nm. The ratioof pore volume or pore surface in the micropore range compared to themesopore range can be in the range of 95:5 to 5:95.

In some embodiments, the median particle diameter for the compositematerials ranges from 0.5 to 1000 microns. In other embodiments themedian particle diameter for the composite materials ranges from 1 to100 microns. Still in other embodiments the median particle diameter forthe composite materials ranges from 1 to 50 microns. Yet in otherembodiments, the median particle diameter for the composite materialsranges from 5 to 15 microns or from 1 to 5 microns. Still in otherembodiments, the median particle diameter for the composite materials isabout 10 microns. Still in other embodiments, the median particlediameter for the composite materials is less than 4, is less than 3, isless than 2, is less than 1 microns.

In some embodiments, the composite materials exhibit a median particlediameter ranging from 1 micron to 5 microns. In other embodiments, themedian particle diameter ranges from 5 microns to 10 microns. In yetother embodiments, the median particle diameter ranges from 10 nm to 20microns. Still in other embodiments, the median particle diameter rangesfrom 20 nm to 30 microns. Yet still in other embodiments, the medianparticle diameter ranges from 30 microns to 40 microns. Yet still inother embodiments, the median particle diameter ranges from 40 micronsto 50 microns. In other embodiments, the median particle diameter rangesfrom 50 microns to 100 microns. In other embodiments, the medianparticle diameter ranges in the submicron range <1 micron.

In other embodiments, the carbon components are microporous (e.g.,greater than 50% of pores less than 1 nm) and comprise monodispersemicropores. For example in some embodiments the carbon components aremicroporous, and (Dv90−Dv10)/Dv50, where Dv10, Dv50 and Dv90 refer tothe pore size at 10%, 50% and 90% of the distribution by volume, isabout 3 or less, typically about 2 or less, often about 1.5 or less.

In other embodiments, the carbon components are mesoporous (e.g.,greater than 50% of pores less than 100 nm) and comprise monodispersemesopores. For example in some embodiments, the carbon components aremesoporous and (Dv90−Dv10)/Dv50, where Dv10, Dv50 and Dv90 refer to thepore size at 10%, 50% and 90% of the distribution by volume, is about 3or less, typically about 2 or less, often about 1.5 or less.

In other embodiments, the carbon components are macroporous (e.g.,greater than 50% of pores greater than 100 nm) and comprise monodispersemacropores. For example in some embodiments, the carbon components aremacroporous and (Dv90−Dv10)/Dv50, where Dv10, Dv50 and Dv90 refer to thepore size at 10%, 50% and 90% of the distribution by volume, is about 3or less, typically about 2 or less, often about 1.5 or less.

In some other embodiments, the carbon components have a bimodal poresize distribution. For example, in some embodiments the carbon componentcomprise a population of micropores and a population of mesopores. Insome embodiments, the ratio of micropores to mesopores ranges from about1:10 to about 10:1, for example from about 1:3 to about 3:1.

In some embodiments, the carbon component comprises pores having a peakheight found in the pore volume distribution ranging from 0.1 nm to 0.25nm. In other embodiments, the peak height found in the pore volumedistribution ranges from 0.25 nm to 0.50 nm. Yet in other embodiments,the peak height found in the pore volume distribution ranges from 0.75nm to 1.0 nm. Still in other embodiments, the peak height found in thepore volume distribution ranges from 0.1 nm to 0.50 nm. Yet still inother embodiments, the peak height found in the pore volume distributionranges from 0.50 nm to 1.0 nm.

In some embodiments, the carbon component comprises pores having a peakheight found in the pore volume distribution ranging from 2 nm to 10 nm.In other embodiments, the peak height found in the pore volumedistribution ranges from 10 nm to 20 nm. Yet in other embodiments, thepeak height found in the pore volume distribution ranges from 20 nm to30 nm. Still in other embodiments, the peak height found in the porevolume distribution ranges from 30 nm to 40 nm. Yet still in otherembodiments, the peak height found in the pore volume distributionranges from 40 nm to 50 nm. In other embodiments, the peak height foundin the pore volume distribution ranges from 50 nm to 100 nm.

While not wishing to be bound by theory, the present inventors believethat the extent of disorder in the carbon component and compositematerials may have an impact on the electrochemical properties of thecarbon materials. For example, the data in Table 4 (see Examples) showsa possible trend between the available lithium sites for insertion andthe range of disorder/crystallite size. Thus controlling the extent ofdisorder in the carbon component provides a possible avenue to improvethe rate capability for carbons since a smaller crystallite size mayallow for lower resistive lithium ion diffusion through the amorphousstructure. The present invention includes embodiments which compriseboth high and low levels of disorder.

Disorder, as recorded by RAMAN spectroscopy, is a measure of the size ofthe crystallites found within both amorphous and crystalline structures(M. A. Pimenta, G. Dresselhaus, M. S. Dresselhaus, L. G. Can ado, A.Jorio, and R. Saito, “Studying disorder in graphite-based systems byRaman spectroscopy,” Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics, vol. 9, no.11, p. 1276, 2007). RAMAN spectra of exemplary carbon are shown in FIG.4. For carbon structures, crystallite sizes (L_(a)) can be calculatedfrom the relative peak intensities of the D and G Raman shifts (Eq 1)L _(a)(nm)=(2.4×10⁻¹⁰)λ⁴ _(laser) R ⁻¹  (1)whereR=I _(D) /I _(G)  (2)

The values for R and L_(a) can vary in certain embodiments, and theirvalue may affect the electrochemical properties of the carbon materials,for example the capacity of the 2^(nd) lithium insertion (2^(nd) lithiuminsertion is related to first cycle efficiency since first cycleefficiency=(capacity at 1^(st) lithium insertion/capacity at 2^(nd)lithium insertion)×100). For example, in some embodiments R ranges fromabout 0 to about 1 or from about 0.50 to about 0.95. In otherembodiments, R ranges from about 0.60 to about 0.90. In otherembodiments, R ranges from about 0.80 to about 0.90. L_(a) also variesin certain embodiments and can range from about 1 nm to about 500 nm. Incertain other embodiments, La ranges from about 5 nm to about 100 nm orfrom about 10 to about 50 nm. In other embodiments, La ranges from about15 nm to about 30 nm, for example from about 20 to about 30 nm or fromabout 25 to 30 nm.

In a related embodiment, the electrochemical properties of the carboncomponent are related to the level of crystallinity as measured by X-raydiffraction (XRD). While Raman measures the size of the crystallites,XRD records the level of periodicity in the bulk structure through thescattering of incident X-rays (see e.g., FIG. 5). The present inventionincludes composites comprising carbon materials that are non-graphitic(crystallinity <10%) and semi-graphitic (crystallinity between 10 and50%). The crystallinity of the carbon component ranges from about 0% toabout 99%. In some embodiments, the carbon component comprises less than10% crystallinity, less than 5% crystallinity or even less than 1%crystallinity (i.e., highly amorphous). In other embodiments, the carboncomponent comprises from 10% to 50% crystallinity. In still otherembodiments, the carbon component comprises less than 50% crystallinity,less than 40% crystallinity, less than 30% crystallinity or even lessthan 20% crystallinity.

In a related embodiment, the electrochemical properties of the compositematerials are related to the level of crystallinity as measured by X-raydiffraction (XRD). The present invention includes composite materialsthat are non-crystalline (crystallinity <10%) and semi-crystalline(crystallinity between 10 and 50%) and crystalline (>50%). Thecrystallinity of the composite materials ranges from about 0% to about99%. In some embodiments, the carbon materials without electrochemicalmodifier comprise less than 10% crystallinity, less than 5%crystallinity or even less than 1% crystallinity (i.e., highlyamorphous). In other embodiments, the composite materials comprise from10% to 50% crystallinity. In still other embodiments, the compositematerials comprise less than 50% crystallinity, less than 40%crystallinity, less than 30% crystallinity or even less than 20%crystallinity. In a related embodiment, the electrochemical performanceof the carbon materials without electrochemical modifier are related tothe empirical values, R, as calculated from Small Angle X-rayDiffraction (SAXS), wherein R=B/A and B is the height of the doublelayer peak and A is the baseline for the single graphene sheet asmeasured by SAXS.

SAXS has the ability to measure internal pores, perhaps inaccessible bygas adsorption techniques but capable of lithium storage. In certainembodiments, the R factor is below 1, comprising single layers ofgraphene. In other embodiments, the R factor ranges from about 0.1 toabout 20 or from about 1 to 10. In yet other embodiments, the R factorranges from 1 to 5, from 1 to 2, or from 1.5 to 2. In still otherembodiments, the R factor ranges from 1.5 to 5, from 1.75 to 3, or from2 to 2.5. Alternatively, the R factor is greater than 10. The SAXSpattern may also be analyzed by the number of peaks found between 10°and 40°. In some embodiments, the number of peaks found by SAXS at lowscattering angles are 1, 2, 3, or even more than 3. FIGS. 6 and 7present representative SAXS plots.

In certain embodiments, the organic content of either the compositematerials or the carbon materials can be manipulated to provide thedesired properties, for example by contacting the materials with ahydrocarbon compound such as cyclohexane and the like. Infra-redspectroscopy (FTIR) can be used as a metric to determine the organiccontent of both surface and bulk structures of the materials (see e.g.,FIG. 8A.). In one embodiment, the carbon component comprises essentiallyno organic material. An FTIR spectra which is essentially featureless isindicative of such embodiments (e.g., carbons B and D). In otherembodiments, the carbon component comprises organic material, either onthe surface or within the bulk structure. In such embodiments, the FTIRspectra generally depict large hills and valleys which indicates thepresence of organic content.

The organic content may have a direct relationship to theelectrochemical performance (FIG. 8b ) and response of the material whenplaced into a lithium bearing device for energy storage. Carboncomponents with flat FTIR signals (no organics) often display a lowextraction peak in the voltage profile at 0.2 V. Well known to the art,the extract voltage is typical of lithium stripping. In certainembodiments, the carbon component comprises organic content and thelithium stripping plateau is absent or near absent.

The carbon component comprises varying amounts of carbon, oxygen,hydrogen and nitrogen as measured by gas chromatography CHNO analysis invarious embodiments. In one embodiment, the carbon content is greaterthan 98 wt. % or even greater than 99.9 wt % as measured by CHNOanalysis. In another embodiment, the carbon content ranges from about 10wt % to about 99.9%, for example from about 50 to about 98 wt. % of thetotal mass. In yet other embodiments, the carbon content ranges 90 to 98wt. %, 92 to 98 wt % or greater than 95% of the total mass. In yet otherembodiments, the carbon content ranges from 80 to 90 wt. % of the totalmass. In yet other embodiments, the carbon content ranges from 70 to 80wt. % of the total mass. In yet other embodiments, the carbon contentranges from 60 to 70 wt. % of the total mass.

The composite materials may also comprise varying amounts of carbon,oxygen, hydrogen and nitrogen as measured by gas chromatography CHNOanalysis. In one embodiment, the carbon content of the composite isgreater than 98 wt. % or even greater than 99.9 wt % as measured by CHNOanalysis. In another embodiment, the carbon content of the compositeranges from about 10 wt % to about 99.9%, for example from about 50 toabout 98 wt. % of the total mass. In yet other embodiments, the carboncontent of the composite ranges 90 to 98 wt. %, 92 to 98 wt % or greaterthan 95% of the total mass. In yet other embodiments, the carbon contentof the composite ranges from 80 to 90 wt. % of the total mass. In yetother embodiments, the carbon content of the composite ranges from 70 to80 wt. % of the total mass. In yet other embodiments, the carbon contentranges of the composite from 60 to 70 wt. % of the total mass. In yetother embodiments, the carbon content ranges of the composite from 50 to60 wt. % of the total mass. In yet other embodiments, the carbon contentranges of the composite from 40 to 50 wt. % of the total mass. In yetother embodiments, the carbon content ranges of the composite from 30 to40 wt. % of the total mass. In yet other embodiments, the carbon contentranges of the composite from 20 to 30 wt. % of the total mass. In yetother embodiments, the carbon content ranges of the composite from 10 to20 wt. % of the total mass. In yet other embodiments, the carbon contentranges of the composite from 1 to 10 wt. % of the total mass.

In another embodiment, the nitrogen content of the carbon componentranges from 0 to 90 wt. % based on total mass of all components in thecarbon material as measured by CHNO analysis. In another embodiment, thenitrogen content ranges from 1 to 10 wt. % of the total mass. In yetother embodiments, the nitrogen content ranges from 10 to 20 wt. % ofthe total mass. In yet other embodiments, the nitrogen content rangesfrom 20 to 30 wt. % of the total mass. In another embodiment, thenitrogen content is greater than 30 wt. %. In some more specificembodiments, the nitrogen content ranges from about 1% to about 6%,while in other embodiments, the nitrogen content ranges from about 0.1%to about 1%. In certain of the above embodiments, the nitrogen contentis based on weight relative to total weight of all components in thecarbon material

The carbon and nitrogen content may also be measured as a ratio of C:N(carbon atoms to nitrogen atoms). In one embodiment, the C:N ratioranges from 1:0.001 to 0.001:1 or from 1:0.001 to 1:1. In anotherembodiment, the C:N ratio ranges from 1:0.001 to 1:0.01. In yet anotherembodiment, the C:N ratio ranges from 1:0.01 to 1:1. In yet anotherembodiment, the content of nitrogen exceeds the content of carbon, forexample the C:N ratio can range from about 0.01:1 to about 0.1:1 or from0.1:1 to about 0.5:1.

The composite materials may also comprise varying amounts of carbon,oxygen, nitrogen, Cl, and Na, to name a few, as measured by XPSanalysis. In one embodiment, the carbon content is greater than 98 wt. %as measured by XPS analysis. In another embodiment, the carbon contentranges from 50 to 98 wt. % of the total mass. In yet other embodiments,the carbon content ranges 90 to 98 wt. % of the total mass. In yet otherembodiments, the carbon content ranges from 80 to 90 wt. % of the totalmass. In yet other embodiments, the carbon content ranges from 70 to 80wt. % of the total mass. In yet other embodiments, the carbon contentranges from 60 to 70 wt. % of the total mass.

In other embodiments, the carbon content in the composite ranges from10% to 99.9%, from 10% to 99%, from 10% to 98%, from 50% to 99.9%, from50% to 99%, from 50% to 98%, from 75% to 99.9%, from 75% to 99% or from75% to 98% of the total mass of all components in the carbon material asmeasured by XPS analysis

In another embodiment, the nitrogen content in the composite ranges from0 to 90 wt. % as measured by XPS analysis. In another embodiment, thenitrogen content ranges from 1 to 75 wt. % of the total mass. In anotherembodiment, the nitrogen content ranges from 1 to 50 wt. % of the totalmass. In another embodiment, the nitrogen content ranges from 1 to 25wt. % of the total mass. In another embodiment, the nitrogen contentranges from 1 to 20 wt. % of the total mass. In another embodiment, thenitrogen content ranges from 1 to 10 wt. % of the total mass. In anotherembodiment, the nitrogen content ranges from 1 to 6 wt. % of the totalmass. In yet other embodiments, the nitrogen content ranges from 10 to20 wt. % of the total mass. In yet other embodiments, the nitrogencontent ranges from 20 to 30 wt. % of the total mass. In anotherembodiment, the nitrogen content is greater than 30 wt. %.

The carbon and nitrogen content may also be measured as a ratio of C:Nby XPS. In one embodiment, the C:N ratio of the composite ranges from0.001:1 to 1:0.001. In one embodiment, the C:N ratio ranges from 0.01:1to 1:0.01. In one embodiment, the C:N ratio ranges from 0.1:1 to 1:0.01.In one embodiment, the C:N ratio ranges from 1:0.5 to 1:0.001. In oneembodiment, the C:N ratio ranges from 1:0.5 to 1:0.01. In oneembodiment, the C:N ratio ranges from 1:0.5 to 1:0.1. In one embodiment,the C:N ratio ranges from 1:0.2 to 1:0.01. In one embodiment, the C:Nratio ranges from 1:0.001 to 1:1. In another embodiment, the C:N ratioranges from 1:0.001 to 0.01. In yet another embodiment, the C:N ratioranges from 1:0.01 to 1:1. In yet another embodiment, the content ofnitrogen exceeds the content of carbon.

The carbon and phosphorus content of the composite may also be measuredas a ratio of C:P by XPS. In one embodiment, the C:P ratio of thecomposite ranges from 0.001:1 to 1:0.001. In one embodiment, the C:Pratio ranges from 0.01:1 to 1:0.01. In one embodiment, the C:P ratioranges from 0.1:1 to 1:0.01. In one embodiment, the C:P ratio rangesfrom 1:0.5 to 1:0.001. In one embodiment, the C:P ratio ranges from1:0.5 to 1:0.01. In one embodiment, the C:P ratio ranges from 1:0.5 to1:0.1. In one embodiment, the C:P ratio ranges from 1:0.2 to 1:0.01. Inone embodiment, the C:P ratio ranges from 1:0.001 to 1:1. In anotherembodiment, the C:P ratio ranges from 1:0.001 to 0.01. In yet anotherembodiment, the C:P ratio ranges from 1:0.01 to 1:1. In yet anotherembodiment, the content of nitrogen exceeds the content of carbon.

XPS may also be used to detect individual bonds between elements. In thecase of a modified carbon, the interface between the carbon and theelectrochemical modifier may include an C—X bond, wherein X is theprimary element that alloys with lithium (such as C—Si bond for asilicon electrochemical modifier). The presence of C—X may affect theperformance of the material. This percent of C—X bonds within acomposite can be characterized using XPS. In one embodiment the percentof C—X bonds as measured by XPS is between 0% and 50%. In anotherembodiment the percent of C—X bonds is between 0% and 10%, 0% and 5%, 0%and 3%, 0% and 2%, 0% and 1%, 1% and 2%, between 10% and 50%, or greaterthan 50%. In yet another embodiment, the C—X bond also produces amaterial in-situ that is also capable of alloying electrochemically withsilicon.

The carbon material can include both sp3 and sp2 hybridized carbons. Thepercentage of sp2 hybridization can be measured by XPS using the Augerspectrum, as known in the art. It is assumed that for materials whichare less than 100% sp2, the remainder of the bonds are sp3. The carbonmaterials range from about 1% sp2 hybridization to 100% sp2hybridization. Other embodiments include carbon materials comprisingfrom about 25% to about 95% sp2, from about 50%-95% sp2, from about 50%to about 75% sp2, from about 65% to about 95% sp2 or about 65% sp2.

The composite materials may also be created by incorporation of anelectrochemical modifier selected to optimize the electrochemicalperformance of the non-modified carbon materials. The electrochemicalmodifier may be incorporated within the pore structure and/or on thesurface of the carbon material or incorporated in any number of otherways. For example, in some embodiments, the composite materials comprisea coating of the electrochemical modifier (e.g., silicon or Al₂O₃) onthe surface of the carbon materials. In some embodiments, the compositematerials comprise greater than about 100 ppm of an electrochemicalmodifier. In certain embodiments, the electrochemical modifier isselected from iron, tin, silicon, nickel, aluminum and manganese.

In certain embodiments the electrochemical modifier comprises an elementwith the ability to lithiate from 3 to 0 V versus lithium metal (e.g.silicon, tin, sulfur). In other embodiments, the electrochemicalmodifier comprises metal oxides with the ability to lithiate from 3 to 0V versus lithium metal (e.g. iron oxide, molybdenum oxide, titaniumoxide). In still other embodiments, the electrochemical modifiercomprises elements which do not lithiate from 3 to 0 V versus lithiummetal (e.g. aluminum, manganese, nickel, metal-phosphates). In yet otherembodiments, the electrochemical modifier comprises a non-metal element(e.g. fluorine, nitrogen, hydrogen). In still other embodiments, theelectrochemical modifier comprises any of the foregoing electrochemicalmodifiers or any combination thereof (e.g. tin-silicon, nickel-titaniumoxide).

In certain embodiments, the electrochemical modifier is an efficiencyenhancer, such as phosphorous. In other embodiments, the compositecomprises a lithium alloying element and an efficiency enhancer, such asphosphorous.

The electrochemical modifier may be provided in any number of forms. Forexample, in some embodiments the electrochemical modifier comprises asalt. In other embodiments, the electrochemical modifier comprises oneor more elements in elemental form, for example elemental iron, tin,silicon, nickel or manganese. In other embodiments, the electrochemicalmodifier comprises one or more elements in oxidized form, for exampleiron oxides, tin oxides, silicon oxides, nickel oxides, aluminum oxidesor manganese oxides.

In other embodiments, the electrochemical modifier comprises iron. Inother embodiments, the electrochemical modifier comprises tin. In otherembodiments, the electrochemical modifier comprises silicon. In someother embodiments, the electrochemical modifier comprises nickel. In yetother embodiments, the electrochemical modifier comprises aluminum. Inyet other embodiments, the electrochemical modifier comprises manganese.In yet other embodiments, the electrochemical modifier comprises Al₂O₃.In yet other embodiments, the electrochemical modifier comprisestitanium. In yet other embodiments, the electrochemical modifiercomprises titanium oxide. In yet other embodiments, the electrochemicalmodifier comprises lithium. In yet other embodiments, theelectrochemical modifier comprises sulfur. In yet other embodiments, theelectrochemical modifier comprises phosphorous. In yet otherembodiments, the electrochemical modifier comprises molybdenum. In yetother embodiments, the electrochemical modifier comprises germanium. Inyet other embodiments, the electrochemical modifier comprises arsenic.In yet other embodiments, the electrochemical modifier comprisesgallium. In yet other embodiments, the electrochemical modifiercomprises phosphorous. In yet other embodiments, the electrochemicalmodifier comprises selenium. In yet other embodiments, theelectrochemical modifier comprises antimony. In yet other embodiments,the electrochemical modifier comprises bismuth. In yet otherembodiments, the electrochemical modifier comprises tellurium. In yetother embodiments, the electrochemical modifier comprises indium.

Accordingly, in some embodiments the composite materials comprise asecond carbon allotrope such as, but not limited to, graphite, amorphouscarbon (soft and hard), diamond, C60, carbon nanotubes (e.g., singleand/or multi-walled), graphene and carbon fibers. In some embodiments,the second carbon form is graphite. In other embodiments, the secondform is soft carbon. The ratio of carbon material (e.g., hard carbon) tosecond carbon allotrope can be tailored to fit any desiredelectrochemical application. The second carbon allotrope is consideredthe electrochemical modifier of the hard carbon if and only if thesecond allotrope exhibits alloying behavior with lithium ions during anelectrochemical reaction.

In certain embodiments, the mass ratio of hard carbon to second carbonallotrope in the composite materials ranges from about 0.01:1 to about100:1. In other embodiments, the mass ratio of hard carbon to secondcarbon allotrope ranges from about 1:1 to about 10:1 or about 5:1. Inother embodiments, the mass ratio of hard carbon to second carbonallotrope ranges from about 1:10 to about 10:1. In other embodiments,the mass ratio of hard carbon to second carbon allotrope ranges fromabout 1:5 to about 5:1. In other embodiments, the mass ratio of hardcarbon to second carbon allotrope ranges from about 1:3 to about 3:1. Inother embodiments, the mass ratio of hard carbon to second carbonallotrope ranges from about 1:2 to about 2:1.

Multiple carbon allotropes can be combined within a single composite tofurther improve electrochemical performance. For example, a hard carboncan be blended with both graphite and soft carbon to change the densityas well as the capacity or first cycle efficiency. The three or morecarbon allotropes will have a synergistic effect, creating a uniquestructure and performance. In certain embodiments, the mass ratio ofhard carbon to the sum of the masses for all other carbon allotropespresent in the composite material ranges from about 0.01:1 to about100:1. In other embodiments, the mass ratio of hard carbon to the sum ofthe masses for all other carbon allotropes in the composite materialranges from about 1:1 to about 10:1 or about 5:1. In other embodimentsthe mass ratio of hard carbon to the sum of the masses for all othercarbon allotropes in the composite material ranges from about 1:10 toabout 10:1. In other embodiments, the mass ratio of hard carbon to thesum of the masses for all other carbon allotropes in the compositematerial ranges from about 1:5 to about 5:1. In other embodiments, themass ratio of hard carbon to the sum of the masses for all other carbonallotropes in the composite material ranges from about 1:3 to about 3:1.In other embodiments, the mass ratio of hard carbon to the sum of themasses for all other carbon allotropes in the composite material rangesfrom about 1:2 to about 2:1.

The electrochemical properties of the composite materials can bemodified, at least in part, by the amount of the electrochemicalmodifier in the composite material. In some of these embodiments, theelectrochemical modifier is an alloying material such as silicon, tin,indium, aluminum, germanium or gallium, for example silicon.Accordingly, in some embodiments, the composite material comprises atleast 0.10%, at least 0.25%, at least 0.50%, at least 1.0%, at least5.0%, at least 10%, at least 25%, at least 50%, at least 75%, at least90%, at least 95%, at least 99% or at least 99.5% of the electrochemicalmodifier. For example, in some embodiments, the composite materialscomprise between 0.5% and 99.5% carbon and between 0.5% and 99.5%electrochemical modifier. In another embodiment, the composite materialcomprises 70%-99% silicon, for example between 75% and 95%, for examplebetween 80% and 95%. The percent of the electrochemical modifier iscalculated on weight percent basis (wt %). In some other more specificembodiments, the electrochemical modifier comprises iron, tin, silicon,nickel and manganese. In a different embodiment, the composite materialcomprises 70%-99% silicon, for example between 75% and 95%, for examplebetween 80% and 95%.

In still other embodiments, the composite materials comprise carbon andsilicon, wherein the silicon is present in about 1% to about 75% byweight of composite material. For example, in some embodiments thesilicon content ranges from about 1% to about 10% or from about 3% toabout 7%. In still other embodiments, the silicon content ranges fromabout 40% to about 60%, for example about 45% to about 55%.

In still other embodiments, the composite materials comprise carbon andsilicon, wherein the silicon is present in about 65% to about 85% byweight of composite material. For example, in some embodiments thesilicon content ranges from about 70% to about 80% or from about 72% toabout 78%. In still other embodiments, the silicon content ranges fromabout 80% to about 95%, for example about 85% to about 95%.

The unmodified carbon materials have purities not previously obtainedwith hard carbon materials. While not wishing to be bound by theory, itis believed that the high purity of the unmodified carbon materialscontributes to the superior electrochemical properties of the same. Insome embodiments, the unmodified carbon material comprises low totalTXRF impurities (excluding any intentionally included electrochemicalmodifier). Thus, in some embodiments the total TXRF impurity content(excluding any intentionally included electrochemical modifier) of allother TXRF elements in the carbon material (as measured by protoninduced x-ray emission) is less than 1000 ppm. In other embodiments, thetotal TXRF impurity content (excluding any intentionally includedelectrochemical modifier) of all other TXRF elements in the carbonmaterial is less than 800 ppm, less than 500 ppm, less than 300 ppm,less than 200 ppm, less than 150 ppm, less than 100 ppm, less than 50ppm, less than 25 ppm, less than 10 ppm, less than 5 ppm or less than 1ppm.

In addition to low content of undesired TXRF impurities, the carboncomponent may comprise high total carbon content. In some examples, inaddition to carbon, the carbon material may also comprise oxygen,hydrogen, nitrogen and an optional electrochemical modifier. In someembodiments, the material comprises at least 75% carbon, 80% carbon, 85%carbon, at least 90% carbon, at least 95% carbon, at least 96% carbon,at least 97% carbon, at least 98% carbon or at least 99% carbon on aweight/weight basis. In some other embodiments, the carbon materialcomprises less than 10% oxygen, less than 5% oxygen, less than 3.0%oxygen, less than 2.5% oxygen, less than 1% oxygen or less than 0.5%oxygen on a weight/weight basis. In other embodiments, the carbonmaterial comprises less than 10% hydrogen, less than 5% hydrogen, lessthan 2.5% hydrogen, less than 1% hydrogen, less than 0.5% hydrogen orless than 0.1% hydrogen on a weight/weight basis. In other embodiments,the carbon material comprises less than 5% nitrogen, less than 2.5%nitrogen, less than 1% nitrogen, less than 0.5% nitrogen, less than0.25% nitrogen or less than 0.01% nitrogen on a weight/weight basis. Theoxygen, hydrogen and nitrogen content of the disclosed carbon materialscan be determined by combustion analysis. Techniques for determiningelemental composition by combustion analysis are well known in the art.

The total ash content of an unmodified carbon material may, in someinstances, have an effect on the electrochemical performance of a carbonmaterial. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the ash content (excludingany intentionally included electrochemical modifier) of the carbonmaterial ranges from 0.1% to 0.001% weight percent ash, for example insome specific embodiments the ash content (excluding any intentionallyincluded electrochemical modifier) of the carbon material is less than0.1%, less than 0.08%, less than 0.05%, less than 0.03%, than 0.025%,less than 0.01%, less than 0.0075%, less than 0.005% or less than0.001%.

In other embodiments, the composite material comprises a total TXRFimpurity content (excluding any intentionally included electrochemicalmodifier) of less than 500 ppm and an ash content (excluding anyintentionally included electrochemical modifier) of less than 0.08%. Infurther embodiments, the composite material comprises a total TXRFimpurity content (excluding any intentionally included electrochemicalmodifier) of less than 300 ppm and an ash content (excluding anyintentionally included electrochemical modifier) of less than 0.05%. Inother further embodiments, the composite material comprises a total TXRFimpurity content (excluding any intentionally included electrochemicalmodifier) of less than 200 ppm and an ash content (excluding anyintentionally included electrochemical modifier) of less than 0.05%. Inother further embodiments, the composite material comprises a total TXRFimpurity content (excluding any intentionally included electrochemicalmodifier) of less than 200 ppm and an ash content (excluding anyintentionally included electrochemical modifier) of less than 0.025%. Inother further embodiments, the composite material comprises a total TXRFimpurity content (excluding any intentionally included electrochemicalmodifier) of less than 100 ppm and an ash content (excluding anyintentionally included electrochemical modifier) of less than 0.02%. Inother further embodiments, the composite material comprises a total TXRFimpurity content (excluding any intentionally included electrochemicalmodifier) of less than 50 ppm and an ash content (excluding anyintentionally included electrochemical modifier) of less than 0.01%.

In other embodiments, the composite material comprises a total TXRFimpurity content (excluding any intentionally included electrochemicalmodifier, such as silicon) of greater than 500 ppm and an ash content(excluding any intentionally included electrochemical modifier) ofgreater than 0.08%. In further embodiments, the composite materialcomprises a total TXRF impurity content (excluding any intentionallyincluded electrochemical modifier) of greater than 5000 ppm and an ashcontent (excluding any intentionally included electrochemical modifier)of greater than 0.5%. In other further embodiments, the compositematerial comprises a total TXRF impurity content (excluding anyintentionally included electrochemical modifier) of greater than 1% andan ash content (excluding any intentionally included electrochemicalmodifier) of greater than 0.5%. In other further embodiments, thecomposite material comprises a total TXRF impurity content (excludingany intentionally included electrochemical modifier) of greater than 2%and an ash content (excluding any intentionally included electrochemicalmodifier) of greater than 1%. In other further embodiments, thecomposite material comprises a total TXRF impurity content (excludingany intentionally included electrochemical modifier) of greater than 3%and an ash content (excluding any intentionally included electrochemicalmodifier) of greater than 2%. In other further embodiments, thecomposite material comprises a total TXRF impurity content (excludingany intentionally included electrochemical modifier) of greater than 4%and an ash content (excluding any intentionally included electrochemicalmodifier) of greater than 3%. In other further embodiments, thecomposite material comprises a total TXRF impurity content (excludingany intentionally included electrochemical modifier) of greater than 5%and an ash content (excluding any intentionally included electrochemicalmodifier) of greater than 4%. In other further embodiments, thecomposite material comprises a total TXRF impurity content (excludingany intentionally included electrochemical modifier) of greater than 6%and an ash content (excluding any intentionally included electrochemicalmodifier) of greater than 5%. In other further embodiments, thecomposite material comprises a total TXRF impurity content (excludingany intentionally included electrochemical modifier) of greater than 7%and an ash content (excluding any intentionally included electrochemicalmodifier) of greater than 6%. In other further embodiments, thecomposite material comprises a total TXRF impurity content (excludingany intentionally included electrochemical modifier) of greater than 8%and an ash content (excluding any intentionally included electrochemicalmodifier) of greater than 7%. In other further embodiments, thecomposite material comprises a total TXRF impurity content (excludingany intentionally included electrochemical modifier) of greater than 9%and an ash content (excluding any intentionally included electrochemicalmodifier) of greater than 8%. In other further embodiments, thecomposite material comprises a total TXRF impurity content (excludingany intentionally included electrochemical modifier) of greater than 10%and an ash content (excluding any intentionally included electrochemicalmodifier) of greater than 9%.

The amount of individual TXRF impurities present in the disclosedcomposite materials can be determined by total x-ray fluorescence.Individual TXRF impurities may contribute in different ways to theoverall electrochemical performance of the disclosed compositematerials. Thus, in some embodiments, the level of sodium present in thecomposite material is less than 1000 ppm, less than 500 ppm, less than100 ppm, less than 50 ppm, less than 10 ppm, or less than 1 ppm. In someembodiments, the level of magnesium present in the composite material isless than 1000 ppm, less than 100 ppm, less than 50 ppm, less than 10ppm, or less than 1 ppm. In some embodiments, the level of aluminumpresent in the composite material is less than 1000 ppm, less than 100ppm, less than 50 ppm, less than 10 ppm, or less than 1 ppm. In someembodiments, the level of silicon present in the composite material isless than 500 ppm, less than 300 ppm, less than 100 ppm, less than 50ppm, less than 20 ppm, less than 10 ppm or less than 1 ppm. In someembodiments, the level of phosphorous present in the composite materialis less than 1000 ppm, less than 100 ppm, less than 50 ppm, less than 10ppm, or less than 1 ppm. In some embodiments, the level of sulfurpresent in the composite material is less than 1000 ppm, less than 100ppm, less than 50 ppm, less than 30 ppm, less than 10 ppm, less than 5ppm or less than 1 ppm. In some embodiments, the level of chlorinepresent in the composite material is less than 1000 ppm, less than 100ppm, less than 50 ppm, less than 10 ppm, or less than 1 ppm. In someembodiments, the level of potassium present in the composite material isless than 1000 ppm, less than 100 ppm, less than 50 ppm, less than 10ppm, or less than 1 ppm. In other embodiments, the level of calciumpresent in the composite material is less than 100 ppm, less than 50ppm, less than 20 ppm, less than 10 ppm, less than 5 ppm or less than 1ppm. In some embodiments, the level of chromium present in the compositematerial is less than 1000 ppm, less than 100 ppm, less than 50 ppm,less than 10 ppm, less than 5 ppm, less than 4 ppm, less than 3 ppm,less than 2 ppm or less than 1 ppm. In other embodiments, the level ofiron present in the composite material is less than 50 ppm, less than 20ppm, less than 10 ppm, less than 5 ppm, less than 4 ppm, less than 3ppm, less than 2 ppm or less than 1 ppm. In other embodiments, the levelof nickel present in the composite material is less than 20 ppm, lessthan 10 ppm, less than 5 ppm, less than 4 ppm, less than 3 ppm, lessthan 2 ppm or less than 1 ppm. In some other embodiments, the level ofcopper present in the composite material is less than 140 ppm, less than100 ppm, less than 40 ppm, less than 20 ppm, less than 10 ppm, less than5 ppm, less than 4 ppm, less than 3 ppm, less than 2 ppm or less than 1ppm. In yet other embodiments, the level of zinc present in thecomposite material is less than 20 ppm, less than 10 ppm, less than 5ppm, less than 2 ppm or less than 1 ppm. In yet other embodiments, thesum of all other TXRF impurities (excluding any intentionally includedelectrochemical modifier) present in the composite material is less than1000 ppm, less than 500 pm, less than 300 ppm, less than 200 ppm, lessthan 100 ppm, less than 50 ppm, less than 25 ppm, less than 10 ppm orless than 1 ppm. As noted above, in some embodiments other impuritiessuch as hydrogen, oxygen and/or nitrogen may be present in levelsranging from less than 10% to less than 0.01%.

In some embodiments, the composite material comprises undesired TXRFimpurities near or below the detection limit of the proton induced x-rayemission analysis. For example, in some embodiments the unmodifiedcomposite material comprises less than 50 ppm sodium, less than 15 ppmmagnesium, less than 10 ppm aluminum, less than 8 ppm silicon, less than4 ppm phosphorous, less than 3 ppm sulfur, less than 3 ppm chlorine,less than 2 ppm potassium, less than 3 ppm calcium, less than 2 ppmscandium, less than 1 ppm titanium, less than 1 ppm vanadium, less than0.5 ppm chromium, less than 0.5 ppm manganese, less than 0.5 ppm iron,less than 0.25 ppm cobalt, less than 0.25 ppm nickel, less than 0.25 ppmcopper, less than 0.5 ppm zinc, less than 0.5 ppm gallium, less than 0.5ppm germanium, less than 0.5 ppm arsenic, less than 0.5 ppm selenium,less than 1 ppm bromine, less than 1 ppm rubidium, less than 1.5 ppmstrontium, less than 2 ppm yttrium, less than 3 ppm zirconium, less than2 ppm niobium, less than 4 ppm molybdenum, less than 4 ppm, technetium,less than 7 ppm rubidium, less than 6 ppm rhodium, less than 6 ppmpalladium, less than 9 ppm silver, less than 6 ppm cadmium, less than 6ppm indium, less than 5 ppm tin, less than 6 ppm antimony, less than 6ppm tellurium, less than 5 ppm iodine, less than 4 ppm cesium, less than4 ppm barium, less than 3 ppm lanthanum, less than 3 ppm cerium, lessthan 2 ppm praseodymium, less than 2 ppm, neodymium, less than 1.5 ppmpromethium, less than 1 ppm samarium, less than 1 ppm europium, lessthan 1 ppm gadolinium, less than 1 ppm terbium, less than 1 ppmdysprosium, less than 1 ppm holmium, less than 1 ppm erbium, less than 1ppm thulium, less than 1 ppm ytterbium, less than 1 ppm lutetium, lessthan 1 ppm hafnium, less than 1 ppm tantalum, less than 1 ppm tungsten,less than 1.5 ppm rhenium, less than 1 ppm osmium, less than 1 ppmiridium, less than 1 ppm platinum, less than 1 ppm silver, less than 1ppm mercury, less than 1 ppm thallium, less than 1 ppm lead, less than1.5 ppm bismuth, less than 2 ppm thorium, or less than 4 ppm uranium.

In some embodiments, the composite material comprises undesired TXRFimpurities near or below the detection limit of the proton induced x-rayemission analysis. In some specific embodiments, the unmodifiedcomposite material comprises less than 100 ppm sodium, less than 300 ppmsilicon, less than 50 ppm sulfur, less than 100 ppm calcium, less than20 ppm iron, less than 10 ppm nickel, less than 140 ppm copper, lessthan 5 ppm chromium and less than 5 ppm zinc as measured by TXRF. Inother specific embodiments, the composite material comprises less than50 ppm sodium, less than 30 ppm sulfur, less than 100 ppm silicon, lessthan 50 ppm calcium, less than 10 ppm iron, less than 5 ppm nickel, lessthan 20 ppm copper, less than 2 ppm chromium and less than 2 ppm zinc.

In other specific embodiments, the composite material comprises lessthan 50 ppm sodium, less than 50 ppm silicon, less than 30 ppm sulfur,less than 10 ppm calcium, less than 2 ppm iron, less than 1 ppm nickel,less than 1 ppm copper, less than 1 ppm chromium and less than 1 ppmzinc.

In some other specific embodiments, the composite material comprisesless than 100 ppm sodium, less than 50 ppm magnesium, less than 50 ppmaluminum, less than 10 ppm sulfur, less than 10 ppm chlorine, less than10 ppm potassium, less than 1 ppm chromium and less than 1 ppmmanganese.

In certain of the foregoing embodiments, and other embodiments describedherein, the impurity content is measured by PIXE, rather than TXRF.

In certain embodiments, the composite material comprises carbon and twoor more different electrochemical modifiers. In embodiments, thecomposite material comprises carbon, silicon and one or moreelectrochemical modifiers selected from: phosphorus, nitrogen, sulfur,boron and aluminum. In certain embodiments, the composite materialcomprises carbon, silicon and 1-20% (by weight) of a Group 13 element orcombinations thereof. In other certain embodiments, the compositematerial comprises carbon, silicon and 1-20% (by weight) of a Group 15element, or combinations thereof. In other certain embodiments, thecomposite material comprises carbon, silicon and 1-20% (by weight) oflithium, sodium, or potassium, or combinations thereof.

The composite material may include various surface treatments orproperties in order to further improve the electrochemical performanceas defined by capacity, stability and/or power performance. In oneembodiment the composite (e.g., the individual composite particles) iscovered by an ionically conductive polymer with a thickness ranging fromabout 1 nm to about 10 microns. In another embodiment the composite iscovered by a ceramic protective coating with a thickness ranging fromabout 1 nm to about 10 microns. In yet another embodiment the compositeis covered by an organic film with a thickness ranging from about 1 nmto about 10 microns. The thickness can be measured with a variety oftechniques known in the art such as but not limited to XPS sputtering,FIB/SEM or SIMS.

B. Preparation Methods

Any of the above described materials can be prepared via a variety ofprocesses including sol gel, emulsion/suspension, solvent free (solidstate, melt/liquid state, vapor state). Exemplary methods are describedbelow.

The carbon component can be prepared by a method disclosed herein, forexample, in some embodiments the carbon material is prepared by a methodcomprising pyrolyzing a polymer gel as disclosed herein. The carbonmaterials may also be prepared by pryolyzing a substance such aschitosan. The carbon materials can be prepared by any number of methodsdescribed in more detail below.

Numerous methods are available for the incorporation of anelectrochemical modifier into carbon. The composite may be formedthrough a gas phase deposition of an electrochemical modifier onto thecarbon. The composite may be synthesized through mechanical mixing ormilling of two distinct solids. Electrochemical modifiers can also beincorporated during the polymerization stage, into the polymer gel orinto the pyrolyzed or activated carbon materials. Methods forpreparation of carbon materials are described in more detail below.

1. Polymer Gels

Polymer gels are intermediates in the preparation of the disclosedcomposite materials. As such, the physical and chemical properties ofthe polymer gels contribute to, and are predictive of, the properties ofthe carbon materials. Polymer gels used for preparation of the compositematerials are included within the scope of certain aspects of thepresent invention.

Methods for preparation of certain carbon materials are described inU.S. Pat. Nos. 7,723,262 and 8,293,818; and U.S. patent application Ser.Nos. 12/829,282; 13/046,572; 13/250,430; 12/965,709; 13/336,975 and13/486,731, the full disclosures of which are hereby incorporated byreference in their entireties for all purposes. Accordingly, in oneembodiment the present disclosure provides a method for preparing any ofthe carbon materials or polymer gels described above. The carbonmaterials may synthesized through pyrolysis of either a single precursor(such as chitosan) or from a complex resin, formed using a sol-gelmethod using polymer precursors such as phenol, resorcinol, urea,melamine, etc. in water, ethanol, methanol, etc. with formaldehyde. Theresin may be acid or basic, and possibly contain a catalyst. Thepyrolysis temperature and dwell time may be optimized as describedbelow.

In some embodiments, the methods comprise preparation of a polymer gelby a sol gel process, condensation process or crosslinking processinvolving monomer precursor(s) and a crosslinking agent, two existingpolymers and a crosslinking agent or a single polymer and a crosslinkingagent, followed by pyrolysis of the polymer gel. The polymer gel may bedried (e.g., freeze dried) prior to pyrolysis; however drying is notrequired and in some embodiments is not desired. The sol gel processprovides significant flexibility such that an electrochemical modifiercan be incorporated at any number of steps. In one embodiment, a methodfor preparing a polymer gel comprising an electrochemical modifier isprovided. In another embodiment, methods for preparing pyrolyzed polymergels are provided. Details of the variable process parameters of thevarious embodiments of the disclosed methods are described below.

The target carbon properties can be derived from a variety of polymerchemistries provided the polymerization reaction produces aresin/polymer with the necessary carbon backbone. Different polymerfamilies include novolacs, resoles, acrylates, styrenics, ureathanes,rubbers (neoprenes, styrene-butadienes, etc.), nylons, etc. Thepreparation of any of these polymer resins can occur via a number ofdifferent processes including sol gel, emulsion/suspension, solid state,solution state, melt state, etc. for either polymerization andcrosslinking processes.

The polymer gels may be prepared by a sol gel process. For example, thepolymer gel may be prepared by co-polymerizing one or more polymerprecursors in an appropriate solvent. In one embodiment, the one or morepolymer precursors are copolymerized under acidic conditions. In someembodiments, a first polymer precursor is a phenolic compound and asecond polymer precursor is an aldehyde compound. In one embodiment, ofthe method the phenolic compound is phenol, resorcinol, catechol,hydroquinone, phloroglucinol, or a combination thereof; and the aldehydecompound is formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, propionaldehyde, butyraldehyde,benzaldehyde, cinnamaldehyde, or a combination thereof. In a furtherembodiment, the phenolic compound is resorcinol, phenol or a combinationthereof, and the aldehyde compound is formaldehyde. In yet furtherembodiments, the phenolic compound is resorcinol and the aldehydecompound is formaldehyde. Other polymer precursors include nitrogencontaining compounds such as melamine, urea and ammonia. In some casesthe precursors include silicon containing compounds such as silanes(silane, dimethyl silane, diethylsilane, chlorosilane, chloromethylsilane, chloroethyl silane, dichloro silane, dichlorodimethyl silane,dichlorodiethyl silane, diphenylsilane, tristrimethylsilyl silane)siloxane, silica, silicon carbide.

In some embodiments, the electrochemical modifier is incorporated as ametal salt into the mixture from which the gel resin is produced. Insome embodiments, the metal salt dissolved into the mixture from whichthe gel resin is produced is soluble in the reaction mixture. In thiscase, the mixture from which the gel resin is produced may contain anacid and/or alcohol which improves the solubility of the metal salt. Themetal-containing polymer gel can be optionally freeze dried, followed bypyrolysis. Alternatively, the metal-containing polymer gel is not freezedried prior to pyrolysis.

In some embodiments the electrochemical modifier is incorporated intothe material as a polymer. For example, the organic or carbon containingpolymer, RF (resorcinol-formaldehyde) for example, is copolymerized withthe polymer, which contains the electrochemical modifier. In oneembodiment, the electrochemical modifier-containing polymer containssilicon. In one embodiment the polymer is tetraethylorthosiliane (TEOS).In one embodiment, a TEOS solution is added to the RF solution prior toor during polymerization. In another embodiment the polymer is apolysilane with organic side groups. In some cases these side groups aremethyl groups, in other cases these groups are phenyl groups, in othercases the side chains include phenyl, pyrrole, acetate, vinyl, siloxanefragments. In some cases the side chain includes a group 14 element(silicon, germanium, tin or lead). In other cases the side chainincludes a group 13 element (boron, aluminum, boron, gallium, indium).In other cases the side chain includes a group 15 element (nitrogen,phosphorous, arsenic). In other cases the side chain includes a group 16element (oxygen, sulfur, selenium).

In another embodiment the electrochemical modifier is a silole. In somecases it is a phenol-silole or a silafluorene. In other cases it is apoly-silole or a poly-silafluorene. In some cases the silicon isreplaced with germanium (germole or germafluorene), tin (stannole orstannaflourene) nitrogen (carbazole) or phosphorous (phosphole,phosphafluorene). In all cases the heteroatom containing material can bea small molecule, an oligomer or a polymer. Phosphorous atoms may or maynot be also bonded to oxygen.

In certain embodiments the heteroatom containing polymer is a physicalmixture with the carbon polymer. In another case it is a copolymer. Inanother case a block or multi-block copolymer. In other cases it is inthe polymer side chain, main chain or a small molecule used to crosslinkthe carbon polymers. Heteroatoms include but are not limited to Group 14elements (Si, Ge, Sn, Pb), Group 15 elements (N, P, As, Sb), Group 16elements (O, S, Se, Te).

In another embodiment the electrochemical modifier is a silicondendrimer. In one case it is a first generation dendrimer. In anothercase it is a higher generation dendrimer. In some embodiments thepolymer and dendrimer form a mixture. In other embodiments the dendrimeris covalently bonded to the polymer. In other embodiments the dendrimeris ionically bonded to the polymer.

In some embodiments the polymerization reaction contains phosphorous. Incertain other embodiments, the phosphorus is in the form of phosphoricacid. In certain other embodiments, the phosphorus can be in the form ofa salt, wherein the anion of the salt comprises one or more phosphate,phosphite, phosphide, hydrogen phosphate, dihydrogen phosphate,hexafluorophosphate, hypophosphite, polyphosphate, or pyrophosphateions, or combinations thereof. In certain other embodiments, thephosphorus can be in the form of a salt, wherein the cation of the saltcomprises one or more phosphonium ions. The non-phosphate containinganion or cation pair for any of the above embodiments can be chosen forthose known and described in the art. In the context, exemplary cationsto pair with phosphate-containing anions include, but are not limitedto, ammonium, tetraethylammonium, and tetramethylammonium ions. In thecontext, exemplary anions to pair with phosphate-containing cationsinclude, but are not limited to, carbonate, dicarbonate, and acetateions.

In some cases the crosslinker is important because of its chemical andelectrochemical properties. In other cases the crosslinker is importantbecause it locks in the polymer geometry. In other cases both polymergeometry and chemical composition are important.

The crosslinker can react at either low or high temperatures. In somecases a portion of the reaction will occur at low temperatures with therest of the reaction occurring at higher temperatures. Both extent ofcrosslinking and reaction kinetics can be measured by a variety ofchemical techniques (TGA, FTIR, NMR, XRD, etc.) and physical techniques(indentation, tensile testing, modulus, hardness, etc.).

In some cases it will be favorable to have the electrochemical modifierand/or crosslinker evenly distributed throughout the initialco-polymer—a homogenous mixture. In other cases it is important to havean uneven distribution of crosslinker and/or electrochemical modifiedthroughout the initial co-polymer.

The structure of the polymer precursors is not particularly limited,provided that the polymer precursor is capable of reacting with anotherpolymer precursor or with a second polymer precursor to form a polymer.Polymer precursors include, but are not limited to, amine-containingcompounds, alcohol-containing compounds and carbonyl-containingcompounds. In some embodiments the polymer precursors are selected froman alcohol, a phenol, a polyalcohol, a sugar, an alkyl amine, anaromatic amine, an aldehyde, a ketone, a carboxylic acid, an ester, aurea, an acid halide, an alkene, an alkyne, an acrylate, an epoxide andan isocyanate.

Various monomers, molecular components, oligomers and polymericmaterials may be combined to make a variety of polymers including,novolacs, resoles, novolac epoxides (comprised of one or more of phenol,resorcinol, formaldehyde, epichlorohydrin, bisphenol-A, bisphenol-F,epoxide), rubbers (isoprene, styrene-butadiene,styrene-butadiene-styrene, isobutylene, polyacrylate rubber,ethylenene-acrylate rubber, bromo-isobutylene, isoprene, polybutadiene,chloro isobutadiene isoprene, polychloroprene, epichlorohydrin, ethylenepropylene, ethylene propylene diene monomer, polyether urethane,perfluorocarbon rubber, fluorosilicone, hydrogenated nitrile butadiene,acrylonitrile butadiene, polyurethane), nylons (including nylon-6;nylon-6,6; nylon-6,9; nylon-6,10; nylon-6,12; nylon-11, nylon-12; andnylon-4,6), acrylates (methylacrylate, ethyl acrylate,2-Chloroethyl-vinyl ether, 2-Ethylehexyl acrylate, hydroyethylmethacrylate, butyl acrylate, butyl methacrylate, acrylonitrile),polystyrene, and polyurethanes (composed of ethylene glycol, diethyleneglycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, propylene glycol,tripropylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, 1,3-butanediol, 1,4-butanediol,neopentyl glycol, 1,6-hexanediol, ethanolamine, diethanolamine,methyldiethanolamine, pehnyldiethanolamine, glycerol,trimethylolpropane, 1,2,6-hexanetriol, triethanolamine, pentaerythritol,diethyltoluenediamine, dimethylthiotoluenediamine).

In some cases the polymer precursor materials include (a) alcohols,phenolic compounds, and other mono- or polyhydroxy compounds and (b)aldehydes, ketones, and combinations thereof. Representative alcohols inthis context include straight chain and branched, saturated andunsaturated alcohols. Suitable phenolic compounds include polyhydroxybenzene, such as a dihydroxy or trihydroxy benzene. Representativepolyhydroxy benzenes include resorcinol (i.e., 1,3-dihydroxy benzene),catechol, hydroquinone, and phloroglucinol. Mixtures of two or morepolyhydroxy benzenes can also be used. Phenol (monohydroxy benzene) canalso be used. Representative polyhydroxy compounds include sugars, suchas glucose, and other polyols, such as mannitol. Aldehydes in thiscontext include: straight chain saturated aldehydes such as methanal(formaldehyde), ethanal (acetaldehyde), propanal (propionaldehyde),butanal (butyraldehyde), and the like; straight chain unsaturatedaldehydes such as ethenone and other ketenes, 2-propenal(acrylaldehyde), 2-butenal (crotonaldehyde), 3 butenal, and the like;branched saturated and unsaturated aldehydes; and aromatic-typealdehydes such as benzaldehyde, salicylaldehyde, hydrocinnamaldehyde,and the like. Suitable ketones include: straight chain saturated ketonessuch as propanone and 2 butanone, and the like; straight chainunsaturated ketones such as propenone, 2 butenone, and 3-butenone(methyl vinyl ketone) and the like; branched saturated and unsaturatedketones; and aromatic-type ketones such as methyl benzyl ketone(phenylacetone), ethyl benzyl ketone, and the like. The polymerprecursor materials can also be combinations of the precursors describedabove.

In one embodiment, the method comprises use of a first and secondpolymer precursor, and in some embodiments the first or second polymerprecursor is a carbonyl containing compound and the other of the firstor second polymer precursor is an alcohol containing compound. In someembodiments, a first polymer precursor is a phenolic compound and asecond polymer precursor is an aldehyde compound (e.g., formaldehyde).In one embodiment, of the method the phenolic compound is phenol,resorcinol, catechol, hydroquinone, phloroglucinol, or a combinationthereof; and the aldehyde compound is formaldehyde, acetaldehyde,propionaldehyde, butyraldehyde, benzaldehyde, cinnamaldehyde, or acombination thereof. In a further embodiment, the phenolic compound isresorcinol, phenol or a combination thereof, and the aldehyde compoundis formaldehyde. In yet further embodiments, the phenolic compound isresorcinol and the aldehyde compound is formaldehyde. In someembodiments, the polymer precursors are alcohols and carbonyl compounds(e.g., resorcinol and aldehyde) and they are present in a ratio of about0.5:1.0, respectively.

In some embodiments, one polymer precursor is an alcohol-containingspecies and another polymer precursor is a carbonyl-containing species.The relative amounts of alcohol-containing species (e.g., alcohols,phenolic compounds and mono- or poly-hydroxy compounds or combinationsthereof) reacted with the carbonyl containing species (e.g. aldehydes,ketones or combinations thereof) can vary substantially. In someembodiments, the ratio of alcohol-containing species to aldehyde speciesis selected so that the total moles of reactive alcohol groups in thealcohol-containing species is approximately the same as the total molesof reactive carbonyl groups in the aldehyde species. Similarly, theratio of alcohol-containing species to ketone species may be selected sothat the total moles of reactive alcohol groups in the alcoholcontaining species is approximately the same as the total moles ofreactive carbonyl groups in the ketone species. The same general 1:1molar ratio holds true when the carbonyl-containing species comprises acombination of an aldehyde species and a ketone species.

In other embodiments, the polymer precursor is a urea or an aminecontaining compound. For example, in some embodiments the polymerprecursor is urea or melamine. Other embodiments include polymerprecursors selected from isocyanates or other activated carbonylcompounds such as acid halides and the like.

In some embodiments of the methods described herein, the molar ratio ofphenolic precursor to catalyst is from about 5:1 to about 2000:1 or themolar ratio of phenolic precursor to catalyst is from about 20:1 toabout 200:1. In further embodiments, the molar ratio of phenolicprecursor to catalyst is from about 25:1 to about 100:1. In furtherembodiments, the molar ratio of phenolic precursor to catalyst is fromabout 5:1 to about 10:1. In further embodiments, the molar ratio ofphenolic precursor to catalyst is from about 100:1 to about 5:1.

In the specific embodiment wherein one of the polymer precursors isresorcinol and another polymer precursor is formaldehyde, the resorcinolto catalyst ratio can be varied to obtain the desired properties of theresultant polymer gel and carbon materials. In some embodiments of themethods described herein, the molar ratio of resorcinol to catalyst isfrom about 10:1 to about 2000:1 or the molar ratio of resorcinol tocatalyst is from about 20:1 to about 200:1. In further embodiments, themolar ratio of resorcinol to catalyst is from about 25:1 to about 100:1.In further embodiments, the molar ratio of resorcinol to catalyst isfrom about 5:1 to about 10:1. In further embodiments, the molar ratio ofresorcinol to catalyst is from about 100:1 to about 5:1.

The total solids content in the solution or suspension prior to polymergel formation can be varied. The weight ratio of resorcinol to water isfrom about 0.05 to 1 to about 0.70 to 1. Alternatively, the ratio ofresorcinol to water is from about 0.15 to 1 to about 0.6 to 1.Alternatively, the ratio of resorcinol to water is from about 0.15 to 1to about 0.35 to 1. Alternatively, the ratio of resorcinol to water isfrom about 0.25 to 1 to about 0.5 to 1. Alternatively, the ratio ofresorcinol to water is from about 0.3 to 1 to about 0.35 to 0.6.

Examples of solvents useful in the preparation of the polymer gelsdisclosed herein include but are not limited to water or alcohols suchas, for example, ethanol, t butanol, methanol or combinations thereof aswell as aqueous mixtures of the same. Such solvents are useful fordissolution of the polymer precursor materials, for example dissolutionof the phenolic compound. In addition, in some processes such solventsare employed for solvent exchange in the polymer gel (prior to freezingand drying), wherein the solvent from the polymerization of theprecursors, for example, resorcinol and formaldehyde, is exchanged for apure alcohol. In one embodiment of the present application, a polymergel is prepared by a process that does not include solvent exchange.

Suitable catalysts in the preparation of the polymer gels includevolatile basic catalysts that facilitate polymerization of the precursormaterials into a monolithic polymer. The catalyst can also comprisevarious combinations of the catalysts described above. In embodimentscomprising phenolic compounds, such catalysts can be used in the rangeof molar ratios of 5:1 to 200:1 phenolic compound:catalyst. For example,in some specific embodiments such catalysts can be used in the range ofmolar ratios of 5:1 to 10:1 phenolic compound:catalyst.

In some embodiments, the gel polymerization process is performed undercatalytic conditions. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the methodcomprises admixing a catalyst with the solvent-free mixture. In someembodiments, the catalyst is a solid at room temperature and pressure.

In some embodiments, the catalyst is a liquid at room temperature andpressure. In some embodiments, the catalyst is a liquid at roomtemperature and pressure that does not provide dissolution of one ormore of the other polymer precursors.

In some embodiments, the catalyst comprises a basic volatile catalyst.For example, in one embodiment, the basic volatile catalyst comprisesammonium carbonate, ammonium bicarbonate, ammonium acetate, ammoniumhydroxide, or combinations thereof. In a further embodiment, the basicvolatile catalyst is ammonium carbonate. In another further embodiment,the basic volatile catalyst is ammonium acetate.

The molar ratio of catalyst to polymer precursor (e.g., phenoliccompound) may have an effect on the final properties of the polymer gelas well as the final properties of the carbon materials. Thus, in someembodiments such catalysts are used in the range of molar ratios of 5:1to 2000:1 polymer precursor:catalyst. In some embodiments, suchcatalysts can be used in the range of molar ratios of 10:1 to 400:1polymer precursor:catalyst. For example in other embodiments, suchcatalysts can be used in the range of molar ratios of 5:1 to 100:1polymer precursor:catalyst. For example, in some embodiments the molarratio of catalyst to polymer precursor is about 400:1. In otherembodiments the molar ratio of catalyst to polymer precursor is about100:1. In other embodiments the molar ratio of catalyst to polymerprecursor is about 50:1. In other embodiments the molar ratio ofcatalyst to polymer precursor is about 10:1. In certain of the foregoingembodiments, the polymer precursor is a phenolic compound such asresorcinol or phenol.

In still other embodiments, the method comprises admixing an acid withthe solvent-free mixture. In certain embodiments, the acid is a solid atroom temperature and pressure. In some embodiments, the acid is a liquidat room temperature and pressure. In some embodiments, the acid is aliquid at room temperature and pressure that does not providedissolution of one or more of the other polymer precursors.

The acid may be selected from any number of acids suitable for thepolymerization process. For example, in some embodiments the acid isacetic acid and in other embodiments the acid is oxalic acid. In furtherembodiments, the acid is mixed with the first or second solvent in aratio of acid to solvent of 99:1, 90:10, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75, 20:80,10:90 or 1:90. In other embodiments, the acid is acetic acid and thefirst or second solvent is water. In other embodiments, acidity isprovided by adding a solid acid.

The total content of acid in the mixture can be varied to alter theproperties of the final product. In some embodiments, the acid ispresent from about 1% to about 50% by weight of mixture. In otherembodiments, the acid is present from about 5% to about 25%. In otherembodiments, the acid is present from about 10% to about 20%, forexample about 10%, about 15% or about 20%.

In certain embodiments, the polymer precursor components are blendedtogether and subsequently held for a time and at a temperaturesufficient to achieve polymerization. One or more of the polymerprecursor components can have particle size less than about 20 mm insize, for example less than 10 mm, for example less than 7 mm, forexample, less than 5 mm, for example less than 2 mm, for example lessthan 1 mm, for example less than 100 microns, for example less than 10microns. In some embodiments, the particle size of one or more of thepolymer precursor components is reduced during the blending process.

The blending of one or more polymer precursor components in the absenceof solvent can be accomplished by methods described in the art, forexample ball milling, jet milling, Fritsch milling, planetary mixing,and other mixing methodologies for mixing or blending solid particleswhile controlling the process conditions (e.g., temperature). The mixingor blending process can be accomplish before, during, and/or after (orcombinations thereof) incubation at the reaction temperature.

Reaction parameters include aging the blended mixture at a temperatureand for a time sufficient for the one or more polymer precursors toreact with each other and form a polymer. In this respect, suitableaging temperature ranges from about room temperature to temperatures ator near the melting point of one or more of the polymer precursors. Insome embodiments, suitable aging temperature ranges from about roomtemperature to temperatures at or near the glass transition temperatureof one or more of the polymer precursors. For example, in someembodiments the solvent free mixture is aged at temperatures from about20° C. to about 600° C., for example about 20° C. to about 500° C., forexample about 20° C. to about 400° C., for example about 20° C. to about300° C., for example about 20° C. to about 200° C. In certainembodiments, the solvent free mixture is aged at temperatures from about50 to about 250° C.

The reaction duration is generally sufficient to allow the polymerprecursors to react and form a polymer, for example the mixture may beaged anywhere from 1 hour to 48 hours, or more or less depending on thedesired result. Typical embodiments include aging for a period of timeranging from about 2 hours to about 48 hours, for example in someembodiments aging comprises about 12 hours and in other embodimentsaging comprises about 4-8 hours (e.g., about 6 hours).

In certain embodiments, an electrochemical modifier is incorporatedduring the above described polymerization process. For example, in someembodiments, an electrochemical modifier in the form of metal particles,metal paste, metal salt, metal oxide or molten metal can be dissolved orsuspended into the mixture from which the gel resin is produced

Exemplary electrochemical modifiers for producing the compositematerials may fall into one or more than one of the chemicalclassifications listed in Table 1.

TABLE 1 Exemplary Electrochemical Modifiers for Producing CompositeMaterials Chemical Classification Example Precursor MaterialsSaccharides Chitin Chitosan Glucose Sucrose Fructose CelluloseBiopolymers Lignin Proteins Gelatin Amines and Ureas Urea MelamineHalogen Salts LiBr NaCl KF Nitrate Salts NaNO₃ LiNO₃ Carbides SiC CaC₂Metal Containing Aluminum isoproproxide Compounds Manganese AcetateNickel Acetate Iron Acetate Tin Chloride Silicon Chloride HydrocarbonsPropane Butane Ethylene Cyclohexane Methane Benzene Ethane Hexane OctanePentane Alcohols Isopropanol Ethanol Methanol Butanol Ethylene GlycolXylitol Menthol Phosphate Compounds Phytic Acid H₃PO₃ NH₄H₂PO₃ Na₃PO₃Ketones Acetone Ethyl Methyl Ketone Acetophenone Muscone Polymers TEOSEtc. Silicons Silico (powders, nanoparticles, nanotubes, etc.Polycrystalline silicon Nanocrystalline silicon Amorphous silicon Poroussilicon Silicyne Black silicon

Electrochemical modifiers can be combined with a variety of polymersystems through either physical mixing or chemical reactions with latent(or secondary) polymer functionality. Examples of latent polymerfunctionality include, but are not limited to, epoxide groups,unsaturation (double and triple bonds), acid groups, alcohol groups,amine groups, basic groups. Crosslinking with latent functionality canoccur via heteroatoms (e.g. vulcanization with sulfur, acid/base/ringopening reactions with phosphoric acid), reactions with organic acids orbases (described above), coordination to transition metals (includingbut not limited to Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Zr, Nb, Mo, Ag, Au),ring opening or ring closing reactions (rotaxanes, spiro compounds,etc.).

Polymerization to form a polymer gel can be accomplished by variousmeans described in the art and may include addition of anelectrochemical modifier. For instance, polymerization can beaccomplished by incubating suitable polymer precursor materials, andoptionally an electrochemical modifier, in the presence of a suitablecatalyst for a sufficient period of time. The time for polymerizationcan be a period ranging from minutes or hours to days, depending on thetemperature (the higher the temperature the faster, the reaction rate,and correspondingly, the shorter the time required). The polymerizationtemperature can range from room temperature to a temperature approaching(but lower than) the boiling point of the starting solution. Forexample, in some embodiments the polymer gel is aged at temperaturesfrom about 20° C. to about 120° C., for example about 20° C. to about100° C. Other embodiments include temperature ranging from about 30° C.to about 90° C., for example about 45° C. or about 85° C. In otherembodiments, the temperature ranges from about 65° C. to about 80° C.,while other embodiments include aging at two or more temperatures, forexample about 45° C. and about 75-85° C. or about 80-85° C.

Electrochemical modifiers can also be added to the polymer systemthrough physical blending. Physical blending can include but is notlimited to melt blending of polymers and/or co-polymers, the inclusionof discrete particles, chemical vapor deposition of the electrochemicalmodifier and coprecipitation of the electrochemical modifier and themain polymer material.

In another embodiment the electrochemical modifier is a particle. Theparticles of electrochemical modifier can be added with differingparticle size distributions. In one embodiment the electrochemicalmodifier particles have a D50 of 10 nm or 50 nm or 100 nm or 150 nm or200 nm or 500 nm or 1 um or 1.5 um or 2 um or 3 um or 5 um or 10 um or20 um or 40 um or up to 50 um, or up to 100 um. In some embodiments thepolymer and particle form a mixture. In other embodiments the particleis covalently bonded to the polymer. In other embodiments the particleis ionically bonded to the polymer. In some cases the particle issilicon, in other cases the particles are a different Group 14 elements(Ge, Sn, Pb), Group 15 elements (P, As, Sb), Group 16 elements (S, Se,Te). In some cases the particle is comprised of a single element, inother cases it is comprised of a mixture of two or more elements.

Electrochemical modifier particles can be dispersed in the organicpolymer solution or pre-polymer in a variety of ways. In one embodiment,the particles are dispersed by sonication. In another embodiment, theparticles are dispersed by mixing. In another embodiment, the particlesare dispersed by modifying the surface chemistry of the particles or thepH of the solution. In another embodiment, the particles are dispersedby use of a surfactant. In one embodiment, the surfactant is SPAN 80. Inanother embodiment the particles are dispersed in an emulsion orsuspension. In one embodiment the surfactant is used in combination witha hydrocarbon solvent. In one embodiment, the hydrocarbon iscyclohexane. In one embodiment the hydrocarbon is mineral oil. Inanother embodiment the hydrocarbon is vegetable oil.

In some instances the electrochemical modifier can be added via a metalsalt solution. The metal salt solution or suspension may comprise acidsand/or alcohols to improve solubility of the metal salt. In yet anothervariation, the polymer gel (either before or after an optional dryingstep) is contacted with a paste comprising the electrochemical modifier.In yet another variation, the polymer gel (either before or after anoptional drying step) is contacted with a metal or metal oxide solcomprising the desired electrochemical modifier.

In addition to the above exemplified electrochemical modifiers, thecomposite materials may comprise one or more additional forms (i.e.,allotropes) of carbon. In this regard, it has been found that inclusionof different allotropes of carbon such as graphite, amorphous carbon,diamond, C60, carbon nanotubes (e.g., single and/or multi-walled),graphene and/or carbon fibers into the composite materials is effectiveto optimize the electrochemical properties of the composite materials incertain embodiments. The various allotropes of carbon can beincorporated into the carbon materials during any stage of thepreparation process described herein. For example, during the solutionphase, during the gelation phase, during the curing phase, during thepyrolysis phase, during the milling phase, or after milling. In someembodiments, the second carbon form is incorporated into the compositematerial by adding the second carbon form before or duringpolymerization of the polymer gel as described in more detail herein.The polymerized polymer gel containing the second carbon form is thenprocessed according to the general techniques described herein to obtaina carbon material containing a second allotrope of carbon.

In some embodiments the organic polymer and the electrochemical modifierhave different solvents, ratios of solvents, mixtures of solvents,catalysts type, catalyst ratios, solvent pH, type of acid, or base.

In certain embodiments, by changing either the relative solidsconcentration of the carbon containing polymer solution and/or therelative solids concentration of the electrochemical modifier containingpolymer solution, the electrochemical modifier content of the finalcomposite can be varied. In one embodiment the solids concentration ofthe organic polymer solution can be varied between 1% to 99% solids orfrom 10% to 90% solids, or from 20% to 80% solids or from 20% to 50% orfrom 30% to 40% solids. In one embodiment the solids concentration ofthe polymer solution is 35%. In one embodiment the solids concentrationof the electrochemical modifier polymer solution can be varied between1% to 99% solids or from 10% to 90% solids, or from 20% to 80% solids orfrom 20% to 50% or from 30% to 40% solids. In one embodiment the solidsconcentration of the electrochemical modifier solution is 35%. In oneembodiment the electrochemical modifier is a TEOS polymer is mixed withethanol. In other embodiments, the TEOS polymer is mixed with acetone,or isopropyl alcohol.

Changing the ratio of organic polymer to the electrochemical modifierpolymer solutions in any given mixture may alter the final ratio of thecarbon to electrochemical modifier in the final composite. In oneembodiment the ratio of organic polymer to electrochemical modifierpolymer is about 10:1 or 9:1 or 8:1 or 7:1 or 6:1 or 5:1 or 4:1 or 3:1or 2:1, or 1:1, or 1:2, or 1:3 or 1:4 or 1:5, or 1:6 or 1:7 or 1:8 or1:9 or 1:10.

In one embodiment the organic polymer/electrochemical modifier polymersolution is heated until a gel is formed. In one embodiment a TEOS/RFsolution is heated until a gel is formed. In one embodiment the heatingis carried out in a sealed container. In one embodiment the heating iscarried out in a polymer reactor. For example, a stirred polymerreactor. In one embodiment the solution is heated in an emulsion, or inan inverse emulsion or in a suspension. The temperature at whichgelation takes place is known to impact the structure of the polymer andcan be modified to control the structure of the final compositematerial. In one embodiment the gel is formed at 40 C or 50 C or 60 C or70 C or 80 C or 90 C or 100 C or 110 C or 120 C or 130 C. In oneembodiment the gel is formed in a two-step reaction. For example onetemperature to cause the organic polymer to gel and a differenttemperature to cause the electrochemical modifier polymer to gel. In oneembodiment the two step polymerization is carried out at 40 C or 50 C or60 C or 70 C or 80 C or 90 C or 100 C or 110 C or 120 C or 130 C andthen the second step is carried out at 40 C or 50 C or 60 C or 70 C or80 C or 90 C or 100 C or 110 C or 120 C or 130 C. In some embodimentsthe organic polymer is fully gelled and then a electrochemical modifierpolymer solution is added through a solvent exchange to dope the organicpolymer. In some embodiments the electrochemical modifier polymer isfully gelled and then an organic polymer solution is added through asolvent exchange to dope the electrochemical modifier polymer.

In some embodiments, an optional electrochemical modifier isincorporated into the polymer gel after the polymerization step, forexample either before or after an optional drying and before pyrolyzingpolymer gel. In some other embodiments, the polymer gel (either beforeor after and optional drying and prior to pyrolysis) is impregnated withelectrochemical modifier by immersion in a metal salt solution orsuspension or particles. In some embodiments, the particle comprisesmicronized silicon powder. In some embodiments, the particles arecomprised of nanoparticles of silicon. In some embodiments, theparticles are comprised of nanotubes of silicon. In certain embodiments,the particles are comprised of polycrystalline silicon. In certainembodiments, the particles are comprised of nanocrystalline silicon. Incertain embodiments, the particles are comprised of amorphous silicon.In certain embodiments, the particles are comprised of porous silicon.In certain embodiments, the particles are comprised of silicyne. Incertain embodiments, the particles are comprised of black silicon. Incertain embodiments, the particles are comprise a mixture of two or moredifferent forms of silicon as exemplified above.

In some embodiments, the particle is tin. In still other embodiments,the particle is a combination of silicon, tin, carbon, or any oxides.Particles of electrochemical modifier can be added in different ratiosto alter the electrochemical performance of the final composite. Theelectrochemical modifier can be added to create a specific ratio ofcarbon to electrochemical modifier after the polymer has been pyrolyzedand this ratio can range from 10:1-1:10. In one embodiment this ratio is10:1 or 9:1 or 8:1 or 7:1 or 6:1 or 5:1 or 4:1 or 3:1 or 2:1, or 1:1, or1:2, or 1:3 or 1:4 or 1:5, or 1:6 or 1:7 or 1:8 or 1:9 or 1:10. Theparticles of electrochemical modifier can be added with differingparticle size distributions. In one embodiment the electrochemicalmodifier particles have a D50 of 10 nm or 50 nm or 100 nm or 150 nm or200 nm or 500 nm or 1 um or 1.5 um or 2 um or 3 um or Sum or 10 um. Insome embodiments the electrochemical modifier is added prior topolymerization of the polymer solution. In some embodiments theelectrochemical modifier is added at a point where the polymer solutionis pre-polymerized or partially polymerized by heating to an elevatedtemperature such as 40 C or 50 C or 60 C or 70 C or 80 C or 90 C or 100C to create a partially cross linked network.

The sol gel polymerization process is generally performed undercatalytic conditions. Accordingly, in some embodiments, preparing thepolymer gel comprises co-polymerizing one or more polymer precursors inthe presence of a catalyst. In some embodiments, the catalyst comprisesa basic volatile catalyst. For example, in one embodiment, the basicvolatile catalyst comprises ammonium carbonate, ammonium bicarbonate,ammonium acetate, ammonium hydroxide, or combinations thereof. In afurther embodiment, the basic volatile catalyst is ammonium carbonate.In another further embodiment, the basic volatile catalyst is ammoniumacetate.

The molar ratio of catalyst to polymer precursor (e.g., phenolic orsilicon based compound) may have an effect on the final properties ofthe polymer gel as well as the final properties of the carbon materials.Thus, in some embodiments such catalysts are used in the range of molarratios of 5:1 to 2000:1 polymer precursor compound:catalyst. In someembodiments, such catalysts can be used in the range of molar ratios of10:1 to 400:1 polymer precursor compound:catalyst. For example in otherembodiments, such catalysts can be used in the range of molar ratios of5:1 to 100:1 polymer precursor compound:catalyst. For example, in someembodiments the molar ratio of catalyst to polymer precursor compound isabout 400:1. In other embodiments the molar ratio of catalyst to polymerprecursor compound is about 100:1. In other embodiments the molar ratioof catalyst to polymer precursor compound is about 50:1. In otherembodiments the molar ratio of catalyst to polymer precursor compound isabout 10:1.

The reaction solvent is another process parameter that may be varied toobtain the desired properties (e.g., surface area, porosity, purity,etc.) of the polymer gels and composite materials. In some embodiments,the solvent for preparation of the polymer gel is a mixed solvent systemof water and a miscible co-solvent. For example, in certain embodimentsthe solvent comprises a water miscible acid. Examples of water miscibleacids include, but are not limited to, propionic acid, acetic acid, andformic acid. In further embodiments, the solvent comprises a ratio ofwater-miscible acid to water of 99:1, 90:10, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75, 10:90or 1:90. In other embodiments, acidity is provided by adding a solidacid to the reaction solvent.

In some other embodiments of the foregoing, the solvent for preparationof the polymer gel is acidic. For example, in certain embodiments thesolvent comprises acetic acid. For example, in one embodiment, thesolvent is 100% acetic acid. In other embodiments, a mixed solventsystem is provided, wherein one of the solvents is acidic. For example,in one embodiment of the method the solvent is a binary solventcomprising acetic acid and water. In further embodiments, the solventcomprises a ratio of acetic acid to water of 99:1, 90:10, 75:25, 50:50,25:75, 20:80, 10:90 or 1:90. In other embodiments, acidity is providedby adding a solid acid to the reaction solvent.

One embodiment of the present disclosure is a method for preparingpolymer materials following a polymerization process in the absence ofsolvent. In one embodiment, the method comprises heating polymer gelparticles that were formed in absence of solvent to obtain a carbonmaterial, wherein the polymer has been prepared by a process comprising:

a) blending a mixture of solid and/or liquid polymer precursors; and

b) aging the mixture at a temperature and for a time sufficient toproduce a solvent-free polymer network; and

In some embodiments, the solvent can be present at a level of less than80% of the total mass of polymer to be processed into carbon, forexample less than 70% of the total mass of polymer to be processed, lessthan 60% of the total mass of polymer to be processed, less than 50% ofthe total mass of polymer to be processed, less than 40% of the totalmass of polymer to be processed, less than 30% of the total mass ofpolymer to be processed, less than 20% of the total mass of polymer tobe processed, less than 10% of the total mass of polymer to beprocessed, less than 1% of the total mass of polymer to be processed,less than 0.1% of the total mass of polymer to be processed, less than0.01% of the total mass of polymer to be processed.

The process can also occur in the melt state. Monomer or polymercomponents are heated above their melting point and then react to forman altered small molecule, a higher molecular weight thermoplastic or acrosslinked thermoset.

Another embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method formaking polymer particles in gel form via an emulsion or suspensionprocess, the method comprising:

a) preparing a reactant mixture comprising a monomer componentcomprising one or more phenolic compounds, one or more crosslinkingcompounds, and a carrier fluid; and

b) polymerizing the one or more phenolic compounds with the one or morecrosslinking compounds,

wherein the carrier fluid comprises a surfactant in a concentrationequal to or greater than the critical micelle concentration and thevolume average particle size (Dv,50) of the polymer particles is lessthan or equal to 1 mm.

In another embodiment, the disclosure provides a method for makingpolymer particles in gel form via an emulsion or suspension process, themethod comprising:

a) preparing a reactant mixture comprising a monomer componentcomprising one or more phenolic compounds, one or more crosslinkingcompounds, and a carrier fluid; and

b) polymerizing the one or more phenolic compounds with the one or morecrosslinking compounds,

wherein the carrier fluid comprises 50 wt % or more of cyclohexane,based on the total weight of the carrier fluid, and the volume averageparticle size (Dv,50) of the polymer particles is less than or equal to1 mm.

In still other embodiments, the disclosure is directed to a method formaking polymer particles in gel form via an emulsion or suspensionprocess, the method comprising:

a) preparing a reactant mixture comprising a monomer componentcomprising one or more phenolic compounds, one or more crosslinkingcompounds, and a carrier fluid; and

b) polymerizing the one or more phenolic compounds with the one or morecrosslinking compounds,

wherein the carrier fluid comprises 50 wt % or more of cyclohexane,based on the total weight of the carrier fluid, and the volume averageparticle size (Dv,50) of the polymer particles is greater than or equalto 1 mm.

In another embodiment the present application provides a method forpreparing a condensation polymer gel via an emulsion or suspensionprocess, the method comprising:

a) preparing a mixture comprising a continuous phase and a polymerphase, wherein the polymer phase comprises one or more polymerprecursors and an optional solvent; and

b) aging the mixture at a temperature and for a time sufficient for theone or more polymer precursors to react with each other and form acondensation polymer gel.

In another embodiment, the disclosed methods include preparing a driedcondensation polymer gel, the method comprises drying a condensationpolymer gel, wherein the condensation polymer gel has been prepared byan emulsion or suspension process comprising:

a) preparing a mixture comprising a continuous phase and a polymerphase, wherein the polymer phase comprises one or more polymerprecursors and an optional solvent; and

b) aging the mixture at a temperature and for a time sufficient for theone or more polymer precursors to react with each other and form acondensation polymer gel.

In yet other embodiments, the invention provides a method for preparinga carbon material, the method comprising heating condensation polymergel particles to obtain a carbon material, wherein the condensationpolymer gel particles have been prepared by a process comprising:

a) preparing a mixture comprising a continuous phase and a polymerphase, wherein the polymer phase comprises one or more polymerprecursors and an optional solvent; and

b) aging the mixture at a temperature and for a time sufficient for theone or more polymer precursors to react with each other and form acondensation polymer gel.

The condensation polymer gel may be used without drying or the methodsmay further comprise drying the condensation polymer gel. In certainembodiments of the foregoing methods, the polymer gel is dried by freezedrying. The polymer formed in the emulsion or suspension can also beformed via an addition, free radical, or living polymerization method.

The methods are useful for preparation of condensation polymer gelsand/or carbon materials having any number of various pore structures. Inthis regard, Applications have discovered that the pore structure can becontrolled by variation of any number of process parameters such ascontinuous phase type, stir rate, temperature, aging time, etc. In someembodiments, the condensation polymer gel is microporous, and in otherembodiments the condensation polymer gel is mesoporous. In certain otherembodiments, the condensation polymer gel comprises a pore structurehaving a mixture of microporous and mesoporous pores.

In related embodiments, the carbon material is microporous or the carbonmaterial is mesoporous. In other embodiments, the carbon materialcomprises a pore structure comprised of micropores, mesopores ormacropores, or a combination thereof

The polymer phase may be prepared by admixing the one or more polymerprecursors and the optional solvent, and in some examples the mixture isprepared by admixing the continuous phase and the polymer phase. Themethod includes embodiments wherein the mixture is an emulsion, while inother embodiments the mixture is a suspension.

For example, in some embodiments the continuous phase and the polymerphase are not miscible with each other, and the mixture is an emulsion.While in other exemplary methods the continuous phase and the polymerphase are not soluble in each other, and the mixture is a suspension. Inother examples, the polymer phase is aged prior to preparation of themixture, and the mixture is an emulsion and/or a suspension uponcombination of the continuous phase and the polymer phase.

In other different aspects, both the continuous phase and the polymerphase are soluble in each other (i.e., miscible). In some variations ofthis embodiment, the continuous phase and polymer phase are miscibleinitially but the polymer phase is aged such that it becomes immisciblewith the continuous phase and the mixture becomes a suspension uponaging.

The polymer phase may be prepared by admixing the one or more polymerprecursors and the optional solvent. In some embodiments, the polymerphase is “pre-reacted” prior to mixing with the continuous phase suchthe polymer precursors are at least partially polymerized. In otherembodiments, the polymer precursors are not pre-reacted. In certainother embodiments, the method is a continuous process. For example, thepolymer precursors may be continuously mixed with a continuous phase andthe final condensation polymer gel may be continuously isolated from themixture.

A single polymer precursor may be used or the methods may comprise useof two or more different polymer precursors. The structure of thepolymer precursors is not particularly limited, provided that thepolymer precursor is capable of reacting with another polymer precursoror with a second polymer precursor to form a polymer.

2. Creation of Polymer Gel Particles

A monolithic polymer gel can be physically disrupted to create smallerparticles according to various techniques known in the art. Theresultant polymer gel particles generally have an average diameter ofless than about 30 mm, for example, in the size range of about 1 mm toabout 25 mm, or between about 1 mm to about 5 mm or between about 0.5 mmto about 10 mm. Alternatively, the size of the polymer gel particles canbe in the range below about 1 mm, for example, in the size range ofabout 10 to 1000 microns. Techniques for creating polymer gel particlesfrom monolithic material include manual or machine disruption methods,such as sieving, grinding, milling, or combinations thereof. Suchmethods are well-known to those of skill in the art. Various types ofmills can be employed in this context such as roller, bead, and ballmills and rotary crushers and similar particle creation equipment knownin the art.

In other embodiments, the polymer gel particles are in the range of 0.1microns to 2.5 cm, from about 0.1 microns to about 1 cm, from about 1micron to about 1000 microns, from about 1 micron to about 100 microns,from about 1 micron to about 50 microns, from about 1 micron to about 25microns or from about 1 microns to about 10 microns. In otherembodiments, the polymer gel particles are in the range of about 1 mm toabout 100 mm, from about 1 mm to about 50 mm, from about 1 mm to about25 mm or from about 1 mm to about 10 mm.

In an embodiment, a roller mill is employed. A roller mill has threestages to gradually reduce the size of the gel particles. The polymergels are generally very brittle and are not damp to the touch.Consequently they are easily milled using this approach; however, thewidth of each stage must be set appropriately to achieve the targetedfinal mesh. This adjustment is made and validated for each combinationof gel recipe and mesh size. Each gel is milled via passage through asieve of known mesh size. Sieved particles can be temporarily stored insealed containers.

In one embodiment, a rotary crusher is employed. The rotary crusher hasa screen mesh size of about ⅛^(th) inch. In another embodiment, therotary crusher has a screen mesh size of about ⅜^(th) inch. In anotherembodiment, the rotary crusher has a screen mesh size of about ⅝^(th)inch. In another embodiment, the rotary crusher has a screen mesh sizeof about ⅜^(th) inch.

Milling can be accomplished at room temperature according to methodswell known to those of skill in the art. Alternatively, milling can beaccomplished cryogenically, for example by co-milling the polymer gelwith solid carbon dioxide (dry ice) particles.

In one embodiment the polymer gel particles are formed byemulsion/suspension. As described above, a mixture of organic polymersolution can be mixed with electrochemical modifier particles, forexample, through sonication or other methods. The mixture can then bestirred or further sonicated into a solution or continuous phase that isused to create an emulsion or suspension or an inverse emulsion. In oneembodiment, the continuous phase contains cyclohexane. In oneembodiment, the continuous phase contains a surfactant. In oneembodiment, the continuous phase contains SPAN 80 as a surfactant. Inone embodiment, the continuous phase contains mineral oil. In oneembodiment, the continuous phase contains vegetable oil. In oneembodiment, the continuous phase is largely free of cyclohexane. Theratio of surfactant can be modified to control the formation ofparticles. In one embodiment, the continuous phase has a ratio ofsurfactant to continuous phase of 200:1 v/v. In one embodiment, thecontinuous phase has a ratio of surfactant to continuous phase of 2000:1v/v.

3. Soaking or Treatment of Polymer Gels

The organic polymer gels described above, can be further soaked ortreated for the inclusion of an optional electrochemical modifier. Theinclusion of the electrochemical modifier may change both theelectrochemical properties of the final product when used in a lithiumbattery and/or change the physical/chemical properties of the material.

In some embodiments, an electrochemical modifier is added through aliquid phase soaking or solvent exchange. The solvent used may be thesame or different than that used in the polymer gel process. Generally,for soaking, wet polymer gels are weighed and placed into a largercontainer. A solution containing a solvent and a precursor forelectrochemical modification is combined with the wet polymer gel toform a mixture. The mixture is left to soak at a set stir rate,temperature and time. Upon completion, the excess solvent is decantedfrom the mixture. In other embodiments, the optional electrochemicalmodifier is added through a vapor phase.

In some embodiments, the precursor may be soluble in the solvent. Forprecursors that are soluble in the chosen solvent, in some embodiments,the solution may be unsaturated, saturated, or super saturated. In otherembodiments, the precursor may be insoluble and therefore suspended inthe solvent.

In some embodiments, the soak temperature ranges from 20 to 30° C. Inother embodiments, the soak temperature ranges from 30 to 40° C. In yetother embodiments, the soak temperature ranges from 40 to 50° C. In yetother embodiments, the soak temperature ranges from 50 to 60° C. In yetother embodiments, the soak temperature ranges from 60 to 70° C. In yetother embodiments, the soak temperature ranges from 70 to 80° C. In yetother embodiments, the soak temperature ranges from 80 to 100° C.

In some embodiments, the soak time (the period of time between thecombination of the wet polymer gel and the solution and the decanting ofthe excess liquid) is from about 0 hours to about 5 hours. In otherembodiments, the soak time ranges from about 10 minutes to about 120minutes, between about 30 minute and 90 minutes, and between about 40minutes and 60 minutes. In yet other embodiments, the soak time isbetween about from about 0 hours to about 10 hours, from about 0 hoursto about 20 hours, from about 10 hours to about 100 hours, from about 10hours to about 15 hours, or from about 5 hours to about 10 hours.

In some embodiments, the stir rate is between 0 and 10 rpm. In otherembodiments, the stir rate is between 10 and 15 rpm, between 15 and 20rpm, between 20 and 30 rpm, between 30 and 50 rpm, between 50 and 100rpm, between 100 and 200 rpm, between 200 and 1000 rpm, or greater than1000 rpm. In yet other embodiments, the mixture undergoes no artificialagitation.

4. Carbon Materials and Composites

The polymer gels described above, can be further processed to obtain thedesired composite materials. Such processing includes, for example,pyrolysis. Generally, in the pyrolysis process, wet polymer gels areweighed and placed in a rotary kiln. The temperature ramp is set at 10°C. per minute, the dwell time and dwell temperature are set; cool downis determined by the natural cooling rate of the furnace. The entireprocess is usually run under an inert atmosphere, such as a nitrogenenvironment. However, in certain embodiments, the gas may be ahydrocarbon listed in table 1, such as methane, or ammonia. Pyrolyzedsamples are then removed and weighed. Other pyrolysis processes are wellknown to those of skill in the art.

In some embodiments, an optional electrochemical modifier isincorporated into the carbon material after pyrolysis of the polymergel. For example, the electrochemical modifier can be incorporated intothe pyrolyzed polymer gel by contacting the pyrolyzed polymer gel withthe electrochemical modifier, for example, colloidal metal, moltenmetal, metal salt, metal paste, metal oxide or other sources of metals.In one embodiment molten tin as an electrochemical modifier isincorporated into the pyrolyzed organic polymer during or afterpyrolysis. In one embodiment tin chloride as an electrochemical modifieris incorporated into the pyrolyzed organic polymer during or afterpyrolysis. In one embodiment, tin chloride is in the form of tintetrachloride. In one embodiment silicon chloride as an electrochemicalmodifier is incorporated into the pyrolyzed organic polymer during orafter pyrolysis. In one embodiment, tin chloride is in the form ofsilicon tetrachloride

In some embodiments, pyrolysis dwell time (the period of time duringwhich the sample is at the desired temperature) is from about 0 minutesto about 180 minutes, from about 10 minutes to about 120 minutes, fromabout 30 minutes to about 100 minutes, from about 40 minutes to about 80minutes, from about 45 to 70 minutes or from about 50 to 70 minutes.

Pyrolysis may also be carried out more slowly than described above. Forexample, in one embodiment the pyrolysis is carried out in about 120 to480 minutes. In other embodiments, the pyrolysis is carried out in about120 to 240 minutes.

In some embodiments, pyrolysis dwell temperature ranges from about 500°C. to 2400° C. In some embodiments, pyrolysis dwell temperature rangesfrom about 650° C. to 1800° C. In other embodiments pyrolysis dwelltemperature ranges from about 700° C. to about 1200° C. In otherembodiments pyrolysis dwell temperature ranges from about 850° C. toabout 1050° C. In other embodiments pyrolysis dwell temperature rangesfrom about 1000° C. to about 1200° C.

In some embodiments, the pyrolysis dwell temperature is varied duringthe course of pyrolysis. In one embodiment, the pyrolysis is carried outin a rotary kiln with separate, distinct heating zones. The temperaturefor each zone is sequentially decreased from the entrance to the exitend of the rotary kiln tube. In one embodiment, the pyrolysis is carriedout in a rotary kiln with separate distinct heating zones, and thetemperature for each zone is sequentially increased from entrance toexit end of the rotary kiln tube.

In yet other embodiments, the surface of the composite may be modifiedduring pyrolysis due to the thermal breakdown of solid, liquid or gasprecursors. Theses precursors may include any of the chemicals listed inTable 1. In one embodiment the precursors may be introduced prior topyrolysis under room temperature conditions. In a second embodiment, theprecursors may be introduced while the material is at an elevatedtemperature during pyrolysis. In a third embodiment, the precursors maybe introduced post-pyrolysis. Multiple precursors or a mixture ofprecursors for chemical and structural modification may also be used. Inone embodiment a reducing gas is used to reduce the electrochemicalmodifier into its elemental form. In one embodiment, the reducing gas ishydrogen. In one embodiment, the reducing gas is ammonia. In oneembodiment, the reducing gas is hydrogen sulfide. In one embodiment, thereducing gas is carbon monoxide.

The composite may also undergo an additional heat treatment step to helpchange the surface functionality. In some embodiments, heat treatmentdwell temperature ranges from about 500° C. to 2400° C. In someembodiments, heat treatment dwell temperature ranges from about 650° C.to 1800° C. In other embodiments heat treatment dwell temperature rangesfrom about 700° C. to about 1200° C. In other embodiments heat treatmentdwell temperature ranges from about 850° C. to about 1050° C. In otherembodiments heat treatment dwell temperature ranges from about 1000° C.to about 1200° C. In other embodiments heat treatment dwell temperatureranges from about 800° C. to about 1100° C.

In some embodiments, heat treatment dwell time (the period of timeduring which the sample is at the desired temperature) is from about 0minutes to about 300 minutes, from about 10 minutes to about 180minutes, from about 10 minutes to about 120 minutes, from about 30minutes to about 100 minutes, from about 40 minutes to about 80 minutes,from about 45 to 70 minutes or from about 50 to 70 minutes.

Pyrolysis may also be carried out more slowly than described above. Forexample, in one embodiment the pyrolysis is carried out in about 120 to480 minutes. In other embodiments, the pyrolysis is carried out in about120 to 240 minutes.

In one embodiment the composite may also undergo a heat treatment undera volatile gas, such as a hydrocarbon listed in Table 1. Wishing not tobe bound by theory, the hydrocarbon or volatile gas may decompose orreact on the surface of the composite when exposed to elevatedtemperatures. The volatile may leave behind a thin layer, such as a softcarbon, covering the surface of the composite. In one embodiment thematerial comprising an electrochemical modifier is subjected to coatingwith soft carbon layer. In one embodiment silicon powders are coatedwith soft carbon to form a composite. In another embodiment tin powderis coated with soft carbon to form a composite.

In one embodiment the gas may be piped in directly from a compressedtank. In another embodiment the gas may originate through the heating ofa liquid and the mixing of an inert carrier gas using a bubblertechnique commonly known in the art. In another embodiment, as solid orliquid may be placed upstream of the sample and decompose into avolatile gas, which then reacts with the carbon in the hot zone.

In one embodiment the vapor deposition may be completed under a staticgas environment. In another embodiment the vapor deposition may becompleted in a dynamic, gas flowing environment but wherein the carbonis static. In yet another embodiment, the vapor deposition may becompleted under continuous coating, wherein the gas and the carbon areflowing through a hot zone. In still yet another embodiment the vapordeposition may be completed under continuous coating, wherein the gasand the carbon are flowing through a hot zone, but where the gas isflowing counter current to the solid carbon. In another embodiment thecarbon is coated by chemical vapor deposition while rotating in arotatory kiln.

The composite may also undergo a vapor deposition through the heating ofa volatile gas at different temperatures. In some embodiments theelectrochemical modifier is incorporated during the pyrolysis or hightemperature treatment by a gas phase deposition of the desiredcompounds. In one embodiment the gas phase contains silicon. Forexample, in one embodiment the silicon is conveyed in the form of silanegas. In another embodiment, the silicon is conveyed in the form oftrichlorosilane gas. In one embodiment the silicon containing gas iscombined with nitrogen gas. In some embodiments the gas stream containsphospine, diborane, or arsine. In one embodiment the gas contains tin.In another embodiment the gas comprises vaporized elemental tin. In oneembodiment the gas phase deposition of electrochemical modifier isperformed in a kiln or in a fluidized bed. The pressure of thedeposition can be modified to create a near vacuum condition. In someembodiments vapor deposition temperature ranges from about 500° C. to2400° C. In some embodiments, heat treatment dwell temperature rangesfrom about 650° C. to 1800° C. In other embodiments heat treatment dwelltemperature ranges from about 700° C. to about 1000° C. In otherembodiments heat treatment dwell temperature ranges from about 800° C.to about 900° C. In other embodiments heat treatment dwell temperatureranges from about 1000° C. to about 1200° C. In other embodiments heattreatment dwell temperature ranges from about 900° C. to about 1100° C.,from about 950° C. to about 1050° C. or about 1000° C.

The composite may also undergo a vapor deposition through the heating ofa volatile gas for different dwell times. In some embodiments, vapordeposition dwell time (the period of time during which the sample is atthe desired temperature) is from about 0 minutes to about 5 hours, fromabout 10 minutes to about 180 minutes, from about 10 minutes to about120 minutes, from about 30 minutes to about 100 minutes, from about 40minutes to about 80 minutes, from about 45 to 70 minutes or from about50 to 70 minutes.

The thickness of the layer of carbon deposited by vapor deposition ofhydrocarbon decomposition can be measured by HRTEM. In one embodimentthe thickness of the layer is less than 0.1 nm, less than 0.5 nm, lessthan 1 nm, or less than 2 nm. In other embodiments the thickness of thecarbon layer deposited by vapor deposition of hydrocarbon decompositionmeasured by HRTEM is between 1 nm and 100 nm. In yet other embodimentsthe thickness of the carbon layer deposited by vapor deposition ofhydrocarbon decomposition measured by HRTEM is between 0.1 nm and 50 nm.In still other embodiments the thickness of the carbon layer depositedby vapor deposition of hydrocarbon decomposition measured by HRTEM isbetween 1 nm and 50 nm. In still other embodiments the thickness of thecarbon layer deposited by vapor deposition of hydrocarbon decompositionmeasured by HRTEM is between 2 nm and 50 nm, for example between about10 nm and 25 nm.

5. One-Step Polymerization/Pyrolysis Procedure

A composite material may also be synthesized through a one-steppolymerization/pyrolysis method. In general, the polymer is formedduring the pyrolysis temperature ramp. The precursors are placed into arotary kiln with an inert nitrogen atmosphere. The precursors willundergo polymerization within the kiln during the temperature ramp.There may or may not be an intermediate dwell time to allow for completepolymerization. After polymerization is complete, the temperature isonce again increased, where the polymer undergoes pyrolysis aspreviously described.

In some embodiments the precursors comprise a saccharide, protein, or abiopolymer. Examples of saccharides include, but are not limited tochitin, chitosan, and lignin. A non-limiting example of a protein isanimal derived gelatin. In other embodiments, the precursors may bepartially polymerized prior to insertion into the kiln. In yet otherembodiments, the precursors are not fully polymerized before pyrolysisis initiated.

The intermediate dwell time may vary. In one embodiment, no intermediatedwell time exists. In another embodiment, the dwell time ranges fromabout 0 to about 10 hrs. In yet another embodiment, the dwell timeranges from about 0 to about 5 hrs. In yet other embodiments, the dwelltime ranges from about 0 to about 1 hour.

The intermediate dwell temperature may also vary. In some embodiments,the intermediate dwell temperature ranges from about 100 to about 600°C., from about 150 to about 500° C., or from about 350 to about 450° C.In other embodiments, the dwell temperature is greater than about 600°C. In yet other embodiments, the intermediate dwell temperature is belowabout 100° C.

The material will undergo pyrolysis to form carbon containing composite,as previously described. In some embodiments, pyrolysis dwell time (theperiod of time during which the sample is at the desired temperature) isfrom about 0 minutes to about 180 minutes, from about 10 minutes toabout 120 minutes, from about 30 minutes to about 100 minutes, fromabout 40 minutes to about 80 minutes, from about 45 to 70 minutes orfrom about 50 to 70 minutes.

Pyrolysis may also be carried out more slowly than described above. Forexample, in one embodiment the pyrolysis is carried out in about 120 to480 minutes. In other embodiments, the pyrolysis is carried out in about120 to 240 minutes.

In some embodiments, pyrolysis dwell temperature ranges from about 500°C. to 2400° C. In some embodiments, pyrolysis dwell temperature rangesfrom about 650° C. to 1800° C. In other embodiments pyrolysis dwelltemperature ranges from about 700° C. to about 1200° C. In otherembodiments pyrolysis dwell temperature ranges from about 850° C. toabout 1050° C. In other embodiments pyrolysis dwell temperature rangesfrom about 1000° C. to about 1200° C.

After pyrolysis the surface area of the carbon as measured by nitrogensorption may vary between 0 and 500 m²/g, 0 and 250 m²/g, 5 and 100m²/g, 5 and 50 m²/g. In other embodiments, the surface area of thecarbon as measured by nitrogen sorption may vary between 250 and 500m²/g, 300 and 400 m²/g, 300 and 350 m²/g, 350 and 400 m²/g.

6. Reduction of Electrochemical Modifier to Elemental Form

In certain embodiments, the composite comprises carbon and anelectrochemical modifier in elemental form. In one embodiment, theelectrochemical modifier comprises elemental silicon. In one embodiment,the electrochemical modifier comprises elemental Tin. In one embodiment,the electrochemical modifier comprises elemental Germanium. In certainembodiments, it is preferable to incorporate the electrochemicalmodifier into the organic matrix in the form of an oxide oroxygen-containing compound followed by subsequent reduction of the oxideto elemental or essentially oxygen free electrochemical modifier. In thecase of silicon, silicon oxides can be used to form a composite and thenreduced to elemental silicon. In one embodiment the silicon comprisespoly-crystalline silicon. In one embodiment, the silicon comprisescrystalline silicon.

In one embodiment the reduction is carried out using carbothermalreduction. In one embodiment, the carbon is supplied to the reactionfrom the carbon in the composite material. In one embodiment thereaction is carried out in a reducing atmosphere as described above. Thecarbothermal reduction involves a heat treatment step under an inertatmosphere. In one embodiment the atmosphere comprises nitrogen orargon. In one embodiment, the reaction is carried out under a vacuum. Inanother embodiment, the atmosphere contains a reducing gas as describedabove. In some embodiments, heat treatment dwell temperature ranges fromabout 500° C. to 2400° C. In some embodiments, heat treatment dwelltemperature ranges from about 1000° C. to 2200° C. In other embodimentsheat treatment dwell temperature ranges from about 1500° C. to about2000° C. In other embodiments heat treatment dwell temperature rangesfrom about 1600° C. to about 1900° C. In other embodiments heattreatment dwell temperature is about 1900° C. The heat treatment step iscarried out with a dwell temperature for a specific period of time. Insome embodiments, heat treatment dwell time (the period of time duringwhich the sample is at the desired temperature) is from about 0 minutesto about 180 minutes, from about 10 minutes to about 120 minutes, fromabout 30 minutes to about 100 minutes, from about 40 minutes to about 80minutes, from about 45 to 70 minutes or from about 50 to 70 minutes.

In one embodiment the reduction is carried out in an alkalineenvironment. In one embodiment reduction is magnesiothermal reduction.In another embodiment the reduction is calciothermal reduction. In oneembodiment the reduction is carried out using beryllium or strontium, orbarium. In the case of magnesiothermal calciothermal, or other alkalinereductions, the amount of material to be reduced can be varied againstthe amount of alkaline reducing agent. For example the molar ration ofSiO₂ to alkaline reducing agent can be varied depending on the reactionconditions, completeness of reaction desired, and other reducing agentssuch as carbon or gases present. In one embodiment, the ratio ofSiO₂:Alkaline is 1:1. In one embodiment, the ratio of SiO₂:Alkaline is1:1.9. In one embodiment, the ratio of SiO₂:Alkaline is 1:3. In the caseof alkaline reducing agents, the composite material comprisingelectrochemical modifier to be reduced is milled and mixed with powderedalkaline reducing agent.

The alkaline reduction involves a heat treatment step under a controlledatmosphere. In one embodiment the atmosphere comprises nitrogen orargon. In one embodiment, the reaction is carried out under a vacuum. Inanother embodiment, the atmosphere contains a reducing gas as describedabove. In some embodiments, heat treatment dwell temperature ranges fromabout 500° C. to 2400° C. In some embodiments, heat treatment dwelltemperature ranges from about 600° C. to 1500° C. In other embodimentsheat treatment dwell temperature ranges from about 600° C. to about1000° C. In other embodiments heat treatment dwell temperature rangesfrom about 700° C. to about 800° C. In other embodiments heat treatmentdwell temperature is about 725° C. The heat treatment step is carriedout with a dwell temperature for a specific period of time. In someembodiments, heat treatment dwell time (the period of time during whichthe sample is at the desired temperature) is from about 0 minutes toabout 180 minutes, from about 10 minutes to about 120 minutes, fromabout 30 minutes to about 100 minutes, from about 40 minutes to about 80minutes, from about 45 to 70 minutes or from about 50 to 70 minutes.

In another embodiment, the reduction is carried out by electrochemicalreduction. In this case, the electrochemical modifier to be reduced toelemental form is arranged in a high temperature electrochemical cell asthe anode in an electrochemical cell. In this high temperatureelectrochemical cell, the cathode is typically graphite but other highlystable electrically conductive compounds can be used. In one embodiment,the anode is a graphite rod. In one embodiment, the graphite rode is inelectrical contact with a metal current collector and a power supply.This type of arrangements requires a high temperature electrolyte such amolten salt. In one embodiment, the electrolyte is calcium chloride. Inone embodiment, the electrolyte is sodium chloride. In one embodiment,the electrolyte is a low temperature ionic liquid. In one embodiment,the electrochemical modifier to be reduced is placed in a metalcrucible, which is in turn in electrical connection with a power supply.In one embodiment, the crucible comprises nickel. In another embodiment,the crucible is inconel. In another embodiment, the crucible comprisesstainless steel. In another embodiment, the metal crucible containingthe material to be reduced is filled with salt, and placed in the hotzone of a furnace in a controlled atmosphere and heated to a knowntemperature to melt the salt into an ionically conductive molten salt.In one embodiment, the atmosphere comprises nitrogen. In one embodiment,the dwell temperature of the furnace is 25 C or 50 C or 100 C or 200 Cor 300 C or 400 C, or 500 C or 600 C or 700 C or 800 C or 850 C or 900 Cor 950 C or 1000 C. In one embodiment, the temperature is above themelting point of the salt to be used. In one embodiment the furnace isheld at the dwell temperature for a period of time required to fullymelt the salt. In one embodiment, the dwell time is 30 minutes. In oneembodiment, the dwell time is 60 minutes. After the dwell time haselapsed the power supply connected to the electrochemical cell is set toa potential necessary to reduce the electrochemical modifier. In oneembodiment, the potential is 2.8V. In one embodiment, the current on thepower supply is monitored. In one embodiment, power supply is turned offwhen the current stops decreasing. In one embodiment, the furnace iscooled, the crucible is removed and the salt is rinsed off of thereduced material with water.

7. Modification of Solid Phases to Produce Composite

Numerous methods are available for the incorporation of anelectrochemical modifier into carbon. The composite may be formedthrough a gas phase deposition of an electrochemical modifier onto thecarbon. The composite may be synthesized through mechanical mixing ormilling of two distinct solids.

In one embodiment, both the carbon and the electrochemical modifier arein solid form. The form factor for both the solid carbon and/or thesolid electrochemical modifier may be presented in any shape, such as,but not limited to a monolith, a powder, a rod, a wire, a sheet, or atube. The two populations of materials may be combined to create aunique composite, whose physical and electrochemical properties aredefined in the previous section. In one embodiment the two distinctpopulations are combined to make a composite prior to the fabrication ofelectrodes for testing. In another embodiment the composite is twodistinct populations included independently into an electrode, if thetwo materials exhibit the same physical and electrochemicalcharacteristics of a composite if combined prior to electrodefabrication.

The carbon solid may include multiple populations of carbon allotropes,such as graphite, soft carbon and graphene. The additional carbonallotropes are considered an electrochemical modifier if they alloy withlithium during electrochemical lithiations. Ratio of populations ofallotropes are described in the previous section.

Methods of combination of multiple populations of powders to create aunique composite, known to those in the art, include but are not limitedto mechanical milling (described in more detail below) such as jetmilling, bead milling and ball milling, in process manufacturingtechniques such as flow diversion, or techniques wherein the optimalcomposite is formed during electrode fabrication.

The carbon solid prior to gas phase growth of an electrochemicalmodifier may be considered ultrapure. The carbon solid may have anyproperties of the proposed composite as described in the previoussection. The gas phase techniques may include thin film techniques knownto those in the art, such as atomic layer deposition (ALD), chemicalvapor deposition (CVD) and physical layer deposition (PLD). Gas phaseprecursors for the electrochemical modifier include, but are not limitedto silane and all silane derivatives such as polysilanes, silicontetrachloride, tin chloride, tetrakis-(dimethylamido)titanium, andtetrikis-(ethylamido)titanium.

The time for gas phase deposition of the electrochemical modifier on thecarbon solid may impact the thickness of the silicon layer andultimately the performance of the composite. In one embodiment the timeof deposition is between 5 mins and 5 hours. In another embodiment thetime of deposition is between 15 minutes and 60 minutes. In yet anotherembodiment the time of deposition if between 60 minutes and 4 hours, 2hour an 3 hours or 2.5 hours.

The temperature for gas phase deposition of the electrochemical modifieron the carbon solid may impact the thickness of the silicon layer andultimately the performance of the composite. In one embodiment thetemperature of deposition is between 200 C and 1200 C. In anotherembodiment the temperature of deposition is between 300 C and 600 C, 400C and 550 C, and 450 C and 500 C. In yet another embodiment thetemperature of deposition if between 600 C and 1200 C, 600 C and 1000 C,650 C and 800 C, 700 C and 750 C.

In one embodiment the composite is formed through a gas phaseinteraction with a silicon solid. The silicon solid may be any allotropeof known silicon and may have specific properties prior to gas phasegrowth of carbon. The

8. Mechanical Milling to Combine Electrochemical Modifier with Carbon

Electrochemical modifiers can be incorporated with a pure carbonmaterial by milling the two materials together using high-energymilling. Milling can create micronized and in some cases nanometer sizedparticles which are intimately combined by co-milling or by combinationafter milling. In one embodiment, the carbon component comprises hardcarbon. In one embodiment, the carbon component comprises graphite. Inone embodiment, the electrochemical modifier comprises silicon. In oneembodiment, the electrochemical modifier comprises tin. Alternate formsof milling techniques can be used to mill the materials. In oneembodiment, the milling technique is jet milling. In one embodiment, themilling technique is Fritch-milling. In one embodiment, the millingtechnique is ball milling. In one embodiment, the milling technique ishigh-energy ball milling.

In certain milling techniques, the residence time of the material in themill can be varied to alter the result. In one embodiment, the residencetime is about 10 seconds. In one embodiment, the residence time is about30 seconds. In one embodiment, the residence time is about 1 minute. Inone embodiment, the residence time is about 5 minutes. In oneembodiment, the residence time is about 10 minutes. In one embodiment,the residence time is about 15 minutes. In one embodiment, the residencetime is about 20 minutes. In one embodiment, the residence time is about30 minutes. In one embodiment, the residence time is about 45 minutes.In one embodiment, the residence time is about 60 minutes. In oneembodiment, the residence time is 90 minutes. In one embodiment, theresidence time is 120 minutes. In one embodiment, the residence time is180 minutes. In one embodiment, the residence time is 240 minutes.

The ratio of carbon to electrochemical modifier can be varied to createa material with different properties, such as capacity. The ratio canvary from 1:5 to 5:1. In one embodiment, the ratio is 1:5 or 1:4 or 1:3or 1:2 or 1:1 or 2:1 or 3:1 or 4:1 or 5:1. In one embodiment, theelectrochemical modifier can be used in a crystalline form. In oneembodiment, electrochemical modifier can be used in an amorphous form.

The milling technique can be modified to create different particle sizedistributions. The D50 of the particle size distribution of the carboncan be varied independently or with the D50 of the particle sizedistribution of the electrochemical modifier. In one embodiment the D50of the particle size distribution of either the carbon or theelectrochemical modifier is about 0.1 um. In one embodiment the D50 ofthe particle size distribution of either the carbon or theelectrochemical modifier is about 0.2 um. In one embodiment the D50 ofthe particle size distribution of either the carbon or theelectrochemical modifier is about 0.5 um. In one embodiment the D50 ofthe particle size distribution of either the carbon or theelectrochemical modifier is about 1 um. In one embodiment the D50 of theparticle size distribution of either the carbon or the electrochemicalmodifier is about 3 um. In one embodiment the D50 of the particle sizedistribution of either the carbon or the electrochemical modifier isabout 5 um. In one embodiment the D50 of the particle size distributionof either the carbon or the electrochemical modifier is about 8 um. Inone embodiment the D50 of the particle size distribution of either thecarbon or the electrochemical modifier is about 10 um. In one embodimentthe D50 of the particle size distribution of either the carbon or theelectrochemical modifier is about 15 um. In one embodiment the D50 ofthe particle size distribution of either the carbon or theelectrochemical modifier is about 20 um. In one embodiment the D50 ofthe particle size distribution of either the carbon or theelectrochemical modifier is about 30 um. In one embodiment the D50 ofthe particle size distribution of either the carbon or theelectrochemical modifier is about 40 um. In one embodiment the D50 ofthe particle size distribution of either the carbon or theelectrochemical modifier is about 50 um. In one embodiment the D50 ofthe particle size distribution of either the carbon or theelectrochemical modifier is about 70 um. In one embodiment the D50 ofthe particle size distribution of either the carbon or theelectrochemical modifier is about 100 um. In one embodiment the D50 ofthe particle size distribution of either the carbon or theelectrochemical modifier is about 150 um. In one embodiment the D50 ofthe particle size distribution of either the carbon or theelectrochemical modifier is about 200 um.

Alternately, after milling, the composite can be coated with carbonusing vapor phase deposition as described above.

C. Form Factor of Electrochemical Modifier Relative to Carbon

The techniques described above can be used to create differentarrangements and layouts of both carbon and electrochemical modifier.The above techniques are capable of creating a wide variety of formatsof carbon, electrochemical modifier and their arrangement relative toeach other. In one embodiment either the carbon or the electrochemicalmodifier is porous. In one embodiment, the electrochemical modifier isinside the pores of the carbon, for example encapsulated in the carbon.In one embodiment the carbon is inside the pores of the electrochemicalmodifier. In one embodiment either the carbon or the electrochemicalmodifier is arranged in a core-shell format. In one embodiment, the coreis carbon. In other embodiments, the core is the electrochemicalmodifier, such as silicon or another lithium alloying element. In oneembodiment, the shell thickness is about 5 nm. In one embodiment, theshell thickness is about 10 nm. In one embodiment, the shell thicknessis about 30 nm. In one embodiment, the shell thickness is about 50 nm.In one embodiment, the shell thickness is about 100 nm. In oneembodiment, the shell thickness is about 200 nm. In one embodiment, theshell thickness is about 300 nm. In one embodiment, the core iselectrochemical modifier. In one embodiment either the carbon or theelectrochemical modifier is arranged in a rod. In one embodiment eitherthe carbon or the electrochemical modifier comprises foam. In oneembodiment either the carbon or the electrochemical modifier is arrangedin a tube. In one embodiment, the tube is hollow or in some embodimentsthe tube is filled with either carbon or electrochemical modifier. Instill other embodiments, the composite is a physical blend of particlesof the carbon component and particles of the electrochemical modifier.

In some embodiments, the electrochemical modifier is a coating on thesurface of the carbon material. The properties of the electrochemicalmodifier coated onto the carbon may influence various importantelectrochemical metrics such as power performance and cycle life. In oneembodiment, the thickness of the electrochemical modifier coating on thesurface of the carbon is ranges from 1 to 10000 nm. In anotherembodiment the thickness ranges from 1 to 100 nm, 1, 50 nm, 1 to 10 nm,10 to 20 nm. In yet another embodiment the thickness ranges from 100 to1000 nm, 100 to 500 nm, 200 to 400 nm, 500 to 750 nm. In still anotherembodiment the thickness ranges from 1000 to 10000 nm, 1000 to 5000, orgreater than 10000 nm. Examples of methods and conditions of synthesisare described in more detail below.

D. Characterization of Polymer Gels and Carbon Materials

The structural properties of the final carbon material and intermediatepolymer gels may be measured using Nitrogen sorption at 77K, a methodknown to those of skill in the art. The final performance andcharacteristics of the finished carbon material is important, but theintermediate products (both dried polymer gel and pyrolyzed, but notactivated, polymer gel), can also be evaluated, particularly from aquality control standpoint, as known to those of skill in the art. TheMicromeretics ASAP 2020 is used to perform detailed micropore andmesopore analysis, which reveals a pore size distribution from 0.35 nmto 50 nm in some embodiments. The system produces a nitrogen isothermstarting at a pressure of 10⁻⁷ atm, which enables high resolution poresize distributions in the sub 1 nm range. The software generated reportsutilize a Density Functional Theory (DFT) method to calculate propertiessuch as pore size distributions, surface area distributions, totalsurface area, total pore volume, and pore volume within certain poresize ranges.

The impurity and optional electrochemical modifier content of the carbonmaterials can be determined by any number of analytical techniques knownto those of skill in the art. One particular analytical method usefulwithin the context of the present disclosure is total x-ray reflectionfluorescence (TXRF). Another analytical method useful within the contextof the present disclosure is proton induced x-ray emission (PIXE). Thesetechniques are capable of measuring the concentration of elements havingatomic numbers ranging from 11 to 92 at low ppm levels. Accordingly, inone embodiment the concentration of electrochemical modifier, as well asall other elements, present in the carbon materials is determined byTXRF analysis. In other embodiments the concentration of electrochemicalmodifier, as well as all other elements, present in the carbon materialsis determined by PIXE analysis.

E. Devices Comprising the Composite Materials

The disclosed composite materials can be used as electrode material inany number of electrical energy storage and distribution devices. Forexample, in one embodiment the present disclosure provides alithium-based electrical energy storage device comprising an electrodeprepared from the disclosed composite materials. Such lithium baseddevices are superior to previous devices in a number of respectsincluding gravimetric and volumetric capacity and first cycleefficiency. Electrodes comprising the disclosed composite materials arealso provided.

Accordingly, in one embodiment, the present disclosure provides anelectrical energy storage device comprising:

a) at least one anode comprising a composite material disclosed herein;

b) at least one cathode comprising a metal oxide; and

c) an electrolyte comprising lithium ions;

wherein the electrical energy storage device has a first cycleefficiency of at least 70% and a reversible capacity of at least 500mAh/g with respect to the mass of the hard carbon material. In otherembodiments, the efficiency is measured at a current density of about100 mA/g with respect to the mass of the active hard carbon material inthe anode. In still other embodiments, the efficiency is measured at acurrent density of about 1000 mA/g with respect to the mass of theactive hard carbon material in the anode.

In some embodiments the properties of the device are testedelectrochemically between upper and lower voltages of 3V and −20 mV,respectively. In other embodiments the lower cut-off voltage is between50 mV and −20 mV, between 0V and −15 mV, or between 10 mV and 0V.Alternatively, the device is tested at a current density of 40 mA/g withrespect to the mass of carbon material.

The composite material may be any of the composite materials describedherein. In other embodiments, the first cycle efficiency is greater than55%. In some other embodiments, the first cycle efficiency is greaterthan 60%. In yet other embodiments, the first cycle efficiency isgreater than 65%. In still other embodiments, the first cycle efficiencyis greater than 70%. In other embodiments, the first cycle efficiency isgreater than 75%, and in other embodiments, the first cycle efficiencyis greater than 80%, greater than 90%, greater than 95%, greater than98%, or greater than 99%. In some embodiments of the foregoing, thecomposite material comprises a surface area of less than about 300 m²/g.In other embodiments, the composite material comprises a pore volume ofless than about 0.1 cc/g. In still other embodiments of the foregoing,the composite material comprises a surface area of less than about 50m²/g and a pore volume of less than about 0.1 cc/g.

In another embodiment of the foregoing electrical energy storage device,the electrical energy storage device has a volumetric capacity (i.e.,reversible capacity) of at least 400 mAh/cc. In other embodiments, thevolumetric capacity is at least 450 mAh/cc. In some other embodiments,the volumetric capacity is at least 500 mAh/cc. In yet otherembodiments, the volumetric capacity is at least 550 mAh/cc. In stillother embodiments, the volumetric capacity is at least 600 mAh/cc. Inother embodiments, the volumetric capacity is at least 650 mAh/cc, andin other embodiments, the volumetric capacity is at least 700 mAh/cc.

In another embodiment of the device, the device has a gravimetriccapacity (i.e., reversible capacity, based on mass of composite) of atleast 150 mAh/g. In other embodiments, the gravimetric capacity is atleast 200 mAh/g. In some other embodiments, the gravimetric capacity isat least 300 mAh/g. In yet other embodiments, the gravimetric capacityis at least 400 mAh/g. In still other embodiments, the gravimetriccapacity is at least 500 mAh/g. In other embodiments, the gravimetriccapacity is at least 600 mAh/g, and in other embodiments, thegravimetric capacity is at least 700 mAh/g, at least 800 mAh/g, at least900 mAh/g, at least 1000 mAh/g, at least 1100 mAh/g or even at least1200 mAh/g. In some particular embodiments the device has a gravimetriccapacity ranging from about 550 mAh/g to about 750 mAh/g.

The cycle stability of the material is in part determined by therelative amount that the composite material swells when it takes onlithium. The most stable materials have a very low percent expansionrelative to the original dimensions of a particle or electrode. In oneembodiment, the percent expansion of the composite is about 0.5%. In oneembodiment, the percent expansion of the composite is about 1%. In oneembodiment, the percent expansion of the composite is about 2%. In oneembodiment, the percent expansion of the composite is about 3%. In oneembodiment, the percent expansion of the composite is about 4%. In oneembodiment, the percent expansion of the composite is about 5%. In oneembodiment, the percent expansion of the composite is about 7%. In oneembodiment, the percent expansion of the composite is about 10%. In oneembodiment, the percent expansion of the composite is about 15%. In oneembodiment, the percent expansion of the composite is about 20%. In oneembodiment, the percent expansion of the composite is about 30%. In oneembodiment, the percent expansion of the composite is about 50%. In oneembodiment, the percent expansion of the composite is about 100%.

The cycle stability of the composite material can be defined as thenumber of cycle a device is cycled until the capacity reaches 80% of theinitial reversible capacity. In one embodiment the stability of thecomposite in a device is between 100 and 1000000 cycles. In anotherembodiment the cycle stability is between 100 and 5000 cycles, 200 and1000 cycles, 300 and 1000 cycles. In yet another embodiment the cyclestability of the composite material is between 5000 and 1000000 cycles,5000 and 100000, 5000 and 10000, or greater than 1000000 cycles.

The kinetics of charge and discharge of a composite material in a devicecan further be measured by power performance. In one embodiment thepower density of a device made with the composite material is between100 and 1000 W/kg, 200 and 800 W/kg, 200 and 450 W/kg, 300 and 400 W/kg.In another embodiment the power density of a device made with thecomposite material is between 100 and 1000 W/L, 100 and 500 W/L, 200 to500 W/L, 300 to 450 W/L, greater than 1000 W/L.

The energy density of a device comprising the composite material can bedefined both volumetrically and gravimetrically. In one embodiment theenergy density of a device made with the composite material is between100 and 1000 Wh/kg, 200 and 800 Wh/kg, 200 and 450 Wh/kg, 300 and 400Wh/kg. In another embodiment the energy density of a device made withthe composite material is between 100 and 1000 Wh/L, 100 and 500 Wh/L,200 to 500 Wh/L, 300 to 450 Wh/L, greater than 1000 Wh/L.

Some of the capacity may be due to surface loss/storage, structuralintercalation or storage of lithium within the pores. Structural storageis defined as capacity inserted above 50 mV vs Li/Li while lithium porestorage is below 50 mV versus Li/Li+ but above the potential of lithiumplating. In one embodiment, the storage capacity ratio of a devicebetween structural intercalation and pore storage is between 1:10 and10:1. In another embodiment, the storage capacity ratio of a devicebetween structural intercalation and pore storage is between 1:5 and1:10. In yet another embodiment, the storage capacity ratio of a devicebetween structural intercalation and pore storage is between 1:2 and1:4. In still yet another embodiment, the storage capacity ratio of adevice between structural intercalation and pore storage is between1:1.5 and 1:2. In still another embodiment, the storage capacity ratioof a device between structural intercalation and pore storage is 1:1.The ratio of capacity stored through intercalation may be greater thanthat of pore storage in a device. In another embodiment, the storagecapacity ratio of a device between structural intercalation and porestorage is between 10:1 and 5:1. In yet another embodiment, the storagecapacity ratio of a device between structural intercalation and porestorage is between 2:1 and 4:1. In still yet another embodiment, thestorage capacity ratio of a device between structural intercalation andpore storage is between 1.5:1 and 2:1.

Due to structural differences, lithium plating may occur at differentvoltages. The voltage of lithium plating is defined as when the voltageincreases despite lithium insertion at a slow rate of 20 mA/g. In oneembodiment the voltage of lithium plating of a device collected in ahalf-cell versus lithium metal at a current density of 20 mA/g is 0V. Inanother embodiment the voltage of lithium plating of a device collectedin a half-cell versus lithium metal at a current density of 20 mA/g isbetween 0V and −5 mV. In yet another embodiment the voltage of lithiumplating of a device collected in a half-cell versus lithium metal at acurrent density of 20 mA/g is between −5 mV and −10 mV. In still yetanother embodiment the voltage of lithium plating of a device collectedin a half-cell versus lithium metal at a current density of 20 mA/g isbetween −10 mV and −15 mV. In still another embodiment the voltage oflithium plating of a device collected in a half-cell versus lithiummetal at a current density of 20 mA/g ranges from −15 mV to −20 mV. Inyet another embodiment the voltage of lithium plating of a devicecollected in a half-cell versus lithium metal at a current density of 20mA/g is below −20 mV.

In some embodiments of the foregoing, the composite material comprises asurface area of less than about 300 m²/g. In other embodiments, thecomposite material comprises a pore volume of less than about 0.1 cc/g.In still other embodiments of the foregoing, the composite materialcomprises a surface area of less than about 300 m²/g and a pore volumeof less than about 0.1 cc/g.

In yet still another embodiment of the foregoing electrical energystorage device, the electrical energy storage device has a volumetriccapacity at least 5% greater than the same device which comprises agraphite electrode instead of an electrode comprising the disclosedcomposite material. In still other embodiments, the electrical energystorage device has a gravimetric capacity that is at least 10% greater,at least 20% greater, at least 30% greater, at least 40% greater or atleast 50% than the gravimetric capacity of the same electrical energystorage device having a graphite electrode.

Embodiments wherein the cathode comprises a material other than a metaloxide are also envisioned. For example, in another embodiment, thecathode comprises a sulfur-based material rather than a metal oxide. Instill other embodiments, the cathode comprises a lithium containingmetal-phosphate. In still other embodiments, the cathode compriseslithium metal. In still other embodiments, the cathode is a combinationof two or more of any of the foregoing materials. In still otherembodiments, the cathode is an air cathode.

For ease of discussion, the above description is directed primarily tolithium based devices; however the disclosed carbon materials find equalutility in sodium based devices and such devices (and related compositematerials) are included within the scope of the invention.

The following examples are provided for purpose of illustration and notlimitation.

EXAMPLES

The polymer gels, pyrolyzed cryogels, carbon materials and compositematerials disclosed herein may be prepared according to the followingexemplary procedures. Chemicals were obtained from commercial sources atreagent grade purity or better and were used as received from thesupplier without further purification.

Unless indicated otherwise, the following conditions were generallyemployed for preparation of the carbon materials and precursors.Phenolic compound and aldehyde were reacted in the presence of acatalyst in a binary solvent system (e.g., water and acetic acid). Themolar ratio of phenolic compound to aldehyde was typically 0.5 to 1. Formonolith procedures, the reaction was allowed to incubate in a sealedcontainer at temperatures of up to 85° C. for up to 24 h. The resultingpolymer hydrogel contained water, but no organic solvent; and was notsubjected to solvent exchange of water for an organic solvent, such ast-butanol. The polymer hydrogel monolith was then physically disrupted,for example by grinding, to form polymer hydrogel particles having anaverage diameter of less than about 5 mm.

The wet polymer hydrogel was typically pyrolyzed by heating in anitrogen atmosphere at temperatures ranging from 800-1200° C. for aperiod of time as specified in the examples. Specific pyrolysisconditions were as described in the following examples.

Where appropriate, impregnation of the carbon materials withelectrochemical modifiers was accomplished by including a source of theelectrochemical modifier in the polymerization reaction or contactingthe carbon material, or precursors of the same (e.g., polymer hydrogel,dried polymer hydrogel, pyrolyzed polymer gel, etc.), with a source ofthe electrochemical modifier as described more fully above andexemplified below.

Example 1 Monolith Preparation of Wet Polymer Gel

Polymer gels were prepared using the following general procedure. Apolymer gel was prepared by polymerization of resorcinol andformaldehyde (0.5:1) in water and acetic acid (75:25) and ammoniumacetate (RC=10, unless otherwise stated). The reaction mixture wasplaced at elevated temperature (incubation at 45° C. for about 6 hfollowed by incubation at 85° C. for about 24 h) to allow for gellationto create a polymer gel. Polymer gel particles were created from thepolymer gel and passed through a 4750 micron mesh sieve. In certainembodiments the polymer is rinsed in a urea or polysaccharide solution.While not wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed such treatmentmay either impart surface functionality or alter the bulk structure ofthe carbon and improve the electrochemical characteristics of the carbonmaterials.

Example 2 Alternative Monolith Preparation of Wet Polymer Gel

Alternatively to Example 1, polymer gels were also prepared using thefollowing general procedure. A polymer gel was prepared bypolymerization of urea and formaldehyde (1:1.6) in water (3.3:1water:urea) and formic acid. The reaction mixture was stirred at roomtemperature until gellation to create a white polymer gel. Polymer gelparticles were created through manually crushing.

The extent of crosslinking of the resin can be controlled through boththe temperature and the time of curing. In addition, various aminecontaining compounds such as urea, melamine and ammonia can be used. Oneof ordinary skill in the art will understand that the ratio of aldehyde(e.g., formaldehyde) to solvent (e.g., water) and amine containingcompound can be varied to obtain the desired extent of cross linking andnitrogen content.

Example 3 Post-Gel Chemical Modification

A nitrogen containing hard carbon was synthesized using aresorcinol-formaldehyde gel mixture in a manner analogous to thatdescribed in Example 1. About 20 mL of polymer solution was obtained(prior to placing solution at elevated temperature and generating thepolymer gel). The solution was then stored at 45° C. for about 5 h,followed by 24 h at 85° C. to fully induce cross-linking. The monolithgel was broken mechanically and milled to particle sizes below 100microns. The gel particles were then soaked for 16 hours in a 30%saturated solution of urea (0.7:1 gel:urea and 1.09:1 gel:water) whilestirring. After the excess liquid was decanted, the resulting wetpolymer gel was allowed to dry for 48 hours at 85° C. in air thenpyrolyzed by heating from room temperature to 1100° C. under nitrogengas at a ramp rate of 10° C. per min to obtain a hard carbon containingthe nitrogen electrochemical modifier.

In various embodiments of the above method, the gel particles are soakedfor about 5 minutes to about 100 hrs, from about 1 hour to about 75hours, from about 5 hours to about 60 hours, from about 10 hours to 50hours, from about 10 hours to 20 hours from about 25 hours to about 50hours, or about 40 hours. In certain embodiments the soak time is about16 hours.

The drying temperature may be varied, for example from about roomtemperature (e.g. about 20-25 C) to about 100 C, from about 25 C toabout 100 C, from about 50 to about 90 C, from about 75 C to about 95 C,or about 85 C.

Ratio of the polymer gel to the soak composite (e.g., a compound such asurea, melamine, ammonia, sucrose etc. or any of the compounds listed intable 1) can also be varied to obtain the desired result. The ratio ofgel to nitrogen containing compound ranges from about 0.01:1 to about10:1, from about 0.1:1 to about 10:1, from about 0.1:1 to about 5:1,from about 1:1 to about 5:1, from about 0.2:1 to about 1:1 or from about0.4:1 to about 0.9:1.

The ratio of gel to water can also range from about 0.01:1 to about10:1, from about 0.5:1 to about 1.5:1, from about 0.7:1 to about 1.2:1or from about 0.9:1 to about 1.1:1.

Various solvents such as water, alcohols, oils and/or ketones may beused for soaking the polymer gel as described above. Various embodimentsof the invention include polymer gels which have been prepared asdescribed above (e.g., contain nitrogen as a result of soaking in anitrogen containing compound) as well as carbon materials prepared fromthe same (which also contain nitrogen). Methods according to the generalprocedure described above are also included within the scope of theinvention.

The concentration of the soak composite in the solvent in which it issoaked may be varied from about 5% to close to 100% by weight. In otherembodiments, the concentration ranges from about 10% to about 90%, fromabout 20% to about 85%, from about 25% to about 85%, from about 50% toabout 80% or from about 60% to about 80%, for example about 70%.

While not wishing to be bound by theory, it is believe that in certainembodiments the gel may undergo further cross linking while being soakedin the solution containing a compound from Table I.

Example 4 Preparation of Pyrolyzed Carbon Material from Wet Polymer Gel

Wet polymer gel prepared according to Examples 1-3 was pyrolyzed bypassage through a rotary kiln at 1100° C. with a nitrogen gas flow of200 L/h. The weight loss upon pyrolysis was about 85%.

The surface area of the pyrolyzed dried polymer gel was examined bynitrogen surface analysis using a surface area and porosity analyzer.The measured specific surface area using the standard BET approach wasin the range of about 150 to 200 m²/g. The pyrolysis conditions, such astemperature and time, are altered to obtain hard carbon materials havingany number of various properties.

In certain embodiments, the carbon after pyrolysis is rinsed in either aurea or polysaccharide solution and re-pyrolyzed at 600° C. in an inertnitrogen atmosphere. In other embodiments, the pyrolysis temperature isvaried to yield varying chemical and physical properties of the carbon.

The wet gel may also be pyrolyzed in a non-inert atmosphere such asammonia gas. A 5 gram sample first purged under a dynamic flow of 5%ammonia/95% N2 volume mixture. The sample is then heated to 900° C.under the ammonia/N2 flow. The temperature is held for 1 hour, whereinthe gas is switched to pure nitrogen for cool down. The material is notexposed to an oxygen environment until below 150° C.

Example 5 Micronization of Hard Carbon Via Jet Milling

Carbon material prepared according to Example 2 was jet milled using aJet Pulverizer Micron Master 2 inch diameter jet mill. The conditionscomprised about 0.7 lbs of activated carbon per hour, nitrogen gas flowabout 20 scf per min and about 100 psi pressure. The average particlesize after jet milling was about 8 to 10 microns.

Example 6 Post-Carbon Surface Treatment

The 1^(st) cycle lithiation efficiency of the resulting hard carbon fromexample 5 can be improved via a non-oxygen containing hydrocarbon (fromTable 1) treatment of the surface. In a typical embodiment themicronized/milled carbon is heated to 800° C. in a tube furnace underflowing nitrogen gas. At peak temperature the gas is diverted through aflask containing liquid cyclohexane. The cyclohexane then pyrolyzes onthe surface of the hard carbon. FIG. 9 shows the superiorelectrochemical performance of the surface treated hard carbon. Themodified pore size distribution is shown in FIG. 10. Exemplary surfaceareas of untreated and hydrocarbon treated hard carbon materials arepresented in Table 2.

TABLE 2 Carbon Surface Area's Before and After Surface Treatment withHydrocarbons BET surface area (m²/g) BET surface area (m²/g) Beforesurface treatment After surface treatment Carbon A 275 0.580 Carbon B138 0.023

Example 7 Properties of Various Hard Carbons

Carbon materials were prepared in a manner analogous to those describedin the above Examples and their properties measured. The electrochemicalperformance and certain other properties of the carbon samples areprovided in Table 3. The data in Table 3 show that the carbons withsurface area ranging from about 200 to about 700 m²/g and pore volumesranging from about 0.1 to about 0.7 cc/g) had the best 1^(st) cycleefficiency and reversible capacity (Q_(rev)).

TABLE 3 Certain Properties of Exemplary Hard Carbon Materials PropertiesSpecific Skeletal Surface Total Pore Tap Density Area Volume DensitySample (g/cc) (m2/g) (cc/g) (g/cc) pH Carbon 1 — 3.6 0.003 0.528 —Carbon 2 2.02 11.4 0.000882 0.97 — Carbon 3 — 241.7 0.11 — — Carbon 41.44 338 0.14 — 7.038 Carbon 5 — 705 0.57 0.44 3.8 Carbon 6 1.89 16181.343 0.18 8.98 Carbon 7 2.28 1755 0.798 0.36 5.41 ElectrochemicalPerformances Q (initial) mAh/g Q (rev) mAh/g 1st cycle eff. (%) Carbon 1171 111 64 Carbon 2 679 394 58 Carbon 3 807 628 78 Carbon 4 325 208 64Carbon 5 1401 566 40 Carbon 6 1564 242 15 Carbon 7 1366 314 23

The pore size distribution of exemplary hard carbons is provided in FIG.1, which shows that hard carbon materials having pore size distributionsranging from microporous to mesoporous to macroporous can be obtained.The data also shows that the pore structure may also determine thepacking and volumetric capacities of the material when used in a device.FIG. 2 depicts storage of lithium per unit volume of the device as afunction of cycle number. The data from FIG. 2 correlates well with thedata from FIG. 1. The two microporous materials display the highestvolumetric capacity, possibly due to a higher density material. Themesoporous material has the third highest volumetric capacity while themacroporous material has the lowest volumetric capacity. While notwishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that the macroporousmaterials create empty spaces within the device, void of carbon forenergy storage.

The particle size and particle size distribution of the hard carbonmaterials may affect the carbon packing efficiency and may contribute tothe volumetric capacity of electrodes comprising the carbon materials.The particle size distribution of two exemplary hard carbon materials ispresented in FIG. 3. Thus both single Gaussian and bimodal particle sizedistributions can be obtained. Other particle size distributions can beobtained by altering the synthetic parameters and/or through postprocessing such as milling or grinding.

As noted above, the crystallite size (L_(a)) and range of disorder mayhave an impact on the performance, such as energy and power density, ofa hard carbon anode. Disorder, as determined by RAMAN spectroscopy, is ameasure of the size of the crystallites found within both amorphous andcrystalline structures (M. A. Pimenta, G. Dresselhaus, M. S.Dresselhaus, L. G. Can ado, A. Jorio, and R. Saito, “Studying disorderin graphite-based systems by Raman spectroscopy,” Physical ChemistryChemical Physics, vol. 9, no. 11, p. 1276, 2007). RAMAN spectra forexemplary hard carbon examples are depicted in FIG. 4, while crystallitesizes and electrochemical properties are listed in table 4. Data wascollected with the wavelength of the light at 514 nm.

TABLE 4 Crystallite size and electrochemical properties for DOE carbonsCarbon 2^(nd) Lithium insertion Sample R L_(a) (nm) (mAh/g) Carbon A0.6540 25.614 380 Carbon B 0.908 18.45 261 Carbon C 0.8972 18.67 268Carbon D 0.80546 20.798 353

The data in Table 4 shows a possible trend between the available lithiumsites for insertion and the range of disorder/crystallite size. Thiscrystallite size may also affect the rate capability for carbons since asmaller crystallite size may allow for lower resistive lithium iondiffusion through the amorphous structure. Due to the possible differenteffects that the value of disorder has on the electrochemical output,this present invention includes embodiments having high and low levelsof disorder.

TABLE 5 Example results of CHNO analysis of carbons Sample C H N O C:NRatio Carbon A 80.23 <0.3 14.61 3.44 1:1.82  Carbon B 79.65 <0.3 6.807.85 1:0.085 Carbon C 84.13 <0.3 4.87 6.07 1:0.058 Carbon D 98.52 <0.30.43 <0.3  1:0.0044 Carbon E 94.35 <0.3 1.76 <3.89 1:0.019

The data in Table 5 shows possible compositions of hard carbons asmeasured by CHNO analysis. The nitrogen content may be added either inthe polymer gel synthesis (Carbon A and B), during soaking of the wetpolymer gel (Carbon C), or after carbon synthesis. It is possible thatthe nitrogen content or the C:N ratio may create a different crystallineor surface structure, allowing for the reversible storage of lithiumions. Due to the possible different effects nitrogen content may play inlithium kinetics, the present invention includes embodiments having bothlow and high quantities of nitrogen.

The elemental composition of the hard carbon may also be measuredthrough XPS. FIG. 20 shows a wide angle XPS for an outstanding, uniquecarbon. The carbon has 2.26% nitrogen content, 90.55% carbon with 6.90%oxygen content. FIG. 21 uses Auger to indicate an sp2/sp3 hybridizationpercent concentration of 65%.

Exemplary carbon materials were also analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD)to determine the level of crystallinity (see FIG. 5). While Ramanmeasures the size of the crystallites, XRD records the level ofperiodicity in the bulk structure through the scattering of incidentX-rays. This invention include embodiments which are non-graphitic(crystallinity <10%) and semi-graphitic (crystallinity between 10 and50%). In FIG. 5, the broad, dull peaks are synonymous with amorphouscarbon, while sharper peaks indicate a higher level of crystalstructure. Materials with both sharp and broad peaks are labeled assemi-graphitic. In addition to XRD, the bulk structure of the carbonmaterials is also characterized by hardness or Young's Elastic modulus.

For structural analysis, the carbon material may also be analyzed usingSmall Angle X-ray Diffraction (SAXS) (see FIGS. 6 and 7). Between 10°and 40°, the scattering angle is an indication of the number of stackedgraphene sheets present within the bulk structure. For a single graphenesheet (N=1), the SAXS response is a simple negative sloping curve. For adouble graphene stack (N=2), the SAXS is a single peak at ˜22° with abaseline at 0°. Initial test of a carbon indicates a mixed-bulkstructure of both single layer graphene sheets and double stackedgraphene layers. The percentage of single-double layers can becalculated from an empirical value (R) that compares the intensities ofthe single (A) and double component (B). Since lithium is stored withinthe layers, the total reversible capacity can be optimized by tailoringthe internal carbon structure. Example SAXS of exemplary carbons isdepicted in FIG. 7. Notice that single, double, and even tri-layerfeatures are present in some of the carbons.

Not being bound by theory SAXS may also be used to measure the internalpore size distribution of the carbon. FIG. 22 shows the SAXS curve andthe pore size distribution for pore smaller than 16 nm. In this example,the nitrogen containing carbon has between 0.5 and 1% of pores below 1nm in radius.

As discussed in more detail above, the surface chemistry (e.g., presenceof organics on the carbon surface) is a parameter that is adjusted tooptimize the carbon materials for use in the lithium-based energystorage devices. Infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR) can be used as a metricto determine both surface and bulk structures of the carbon materialswhen in the presence of organics. FIG. 8a depicts FTIR spectra ofcertain exemplary carbons of the present disclosure. In one embodiment,the FTIR is featureless and indicates a carbon structure void oforganics (e.g., carbons B and D). In another embodiment, the FTIRdepicts large hills and valleys relating to a high level of organiccontent (e.g., carbons A and C).

As shown in FIG. 8b , presence of organics may have a directrelationship on the electrochemical performance and response of thecarbon material when incorporated into an electrode in a lithium bearingdevice for energy storage. Accordingly, in some embodiments the carbonmaterial comprises organic functionality as determined by FTIR analysis.The samples with flat FTIR signals (no organics) display a lowextraction peak in the voltage profile at 0.2 V. Well known to the art,the extract voltage is typical of lithium stripping. The lithiumstripping plateau is absent in the two FTIR samples that display organiccurves in FTIR.

The pH of the carbon can also be controlled through the pyrolysistemperature. FIG. 23 shows pH as the pyrolysis temperature increases.Not being bound by theory, as the temperature of pyrolysis is increased,the surface functionality and the pH of the carbon will rise, becomingmore basic. Tailoring the pH can be accomplished post-pyrolysis throughheat treatment or an additional pyrolysis step.

The material may also be characterized as the Li:C ratio, wherein thereis no metallic lithium present. FIG. 24 shows an unexpected resultwherein the maximum ratio of Li:C possible without the presence ofmetallic lithium is greater than 1.6 for a carbon between the pH valuesof 7 and 7.5.

FIG. 11 shows 1^(st) cycle voltage profiles for three exemplary carbonscontaining between 1.5% and 6% nitrogen, prepared as described above. Asthe data shows, the total capacity and operating voltage can be tailoredto the desired application. Carbon A has been tuned to have lowestgravimetric capacity upon extraction, though it is superior of all ofthe carbons in energy density due to the plateau close to zero. Carbon Bhas a smaller plateau but a larger gravimetric capacity than A. Carbon Cis advantageous for vehicular applications due to its sloping voltageprofile. This sloping profile allows for easy gauging of thestate-of-charge (SOC) of the battery, which is difficult with flatplateaus.

FIG. 12 shows the gravimetric capacity of an exemplary embodimentcompared to the theoretical maximum capacity of traditional commercialgraphite versus lithium metal, thus demonstrating that the presentlydisclosed carbon materials represent an improvement over previouslyknown materials. The solid points represent lithium insertion while theopen points represent lithium extraction. The carbon is both ultra-purewith a low percentage of impurities as measured by PUCE and with 1.6%nitrogen content and where the maximum atomic Li:C ratio without thepresence of metallic lithium is 1.65:6.

FIGS. 25 and 26 shows the capacity of an exemplary, ultrapure hardcarbon as measured by a third party laboratory. The material showsexcellent efficiency, capacity and rate capability. The material can bedescribed as having 1.6% nitrogen content and where the maximum atomicLi:C ratio without the presence of metallic lithium is 1.65:6.

Example 8 Incorporation of Electrochemical Modifiers into CarbonMaterials

Silicon was incorporated into the carbon structure by mixing siliconpowder directly with the gel prior to polymerization. After pyrolysis,the silicon was found to be encased in carbon matrix. The silicon powdermay be nano-sized (<1 micron) or micron-sized (between 1 and 100microns). In an alternative embodiment, the silicon-carbon composite wasprepared by mechanically mixing for 10 minutes in a mortar and pestel,1:1 by weight micronized silicon (−325 mesh) powder and micronizedmicroporous non-activated carbon. For electrochemical testing thesilicon-carbon powder was mixed into a slurry with the composition80:10:10 (silicon-carbon:conductivity enhancer (carbon black):binder(polyvinylidene fluoride)) in n-methyl pyrrolidone solvent then coatedonto a copper current collector. Other embodiments may utilize nano(<100 nm) silicon powder. FIG. 13 depicts the voltage vs. specificcapacity (mass relative to silicon) for this silicon-carbon composite.FIG. 14 shows a TEM of a silicon particle embedded into a hard carbonparticle.

A resorcinol-formaldehyde-iron composite gel was prepared by combiningresorcinol, 37 wt % formaldehyde solution, methanol, and iron acetate inthe weight ratio 31:46:19:4 until all components were dissolved. Themixture was kept at 45° C. for 24 hours until polymerization wascomplete. The gel was crushed and pyrolyzed at 650° C. for 1 hr inflowing nitrogen gas. Iron or manganese containing carbon materials areprepared in an analogous manner by use of nickel acetate or manganeseacetate, respectively, instead of iron. Different pyrolysis temperatures(e.g., 900° C., 1000° C., etc.) may also be used. Table 6 summarizesphysical properties of metal doped carbon composites as determined byBET/porosimetry nitrogen physisorption. FIG. 15 shows the modificationto the electrochemical voltage profile with the addition of Ni-doping.Notice that both the shape of the voltage profile and the capacity canbe tailored depending on the dopant, the quantity, and the processingconditions.

TABLE 6 Physical properties of Metal-Doped composite based on dataobtained by BET/porosimetry nitrogen physisorption. BET surface areaPore Volume Average Pore Size (m²/g) (cm³/g) (angstroms) 439 0.323 29

Example 9 Incorporation of Electrochemical Modifier DuringPolymerization of Polymer Gel

A resorcinol-formaldehyde gel mixture is prepared in a manner analogousto that described in Example 1. About 20 mL of polymer solution isobtained (prior to placing solution at elevated temperature andgenerating the polymer gel). To this solution, about 5 mL of a saturatedsolution containing a salt of an electrochemical modifier is added. Thesolution is then stored at 45° C. for about 5 h, followed by 24 h at 85°C. to fully induce the formation of a polymer gel containing theelectrochemical modifier. This gel is disrupted to create particles, andthe particles are frozen in liquid nitrogen.

The resulting wet polymer gel is then pyrolyzed by heating from roomtemperature to 850° C. under nitrogen gas at a ramp rate of 20° C. permin to obtain a hard carbon containing the electrochemical modifier.

Example 10 Incorporation of Alternate Phase Carbon During Polymerizationof Polymer Gel

A resorcinol-formaldehyde gel was prepared as in Example 1 but duringthe solution phase (before addition of formaldehyde) graphite powder(99:1 w/w resorcinol/graphite) was added while stirring. The solutionwas continually stirred until gellation occurred at which point theresin was allowed to cure at 85° C. for 24 hours followed by pyrolysis(10° C./min ramp rate) at 1100° C. for 1 hour in flowing nitrogen. Theelectrochemical performance typical of this material is seen in FIGS. 16and 17. This material is extremely unique as it shows both hard carbonand graphite phases during lithiation and delithiation.

Example 11 Optimal Voltage Window for Hard Carbon Performance

The material from Example 3 is tested in lithium ion battery half-cellsas previously described. The anode electrode of an 88:2:10 composition(hard carbon:conductive additive:PVDF polymer binder) on 18 micron thickcopper foil. The laminate thickness is 40 microns after calendaring.

Cells are tested at 40 mA/g relative to the mass of hard carbon activematerial using a symmetric charge and discharge galvanostatic profile,with a 2-hour low voltage hold. One voltage window is set between 2.0Vand 5 mV versus Li/Li+. A second voltage window is set between 2.0V and−15 mV versus Li/Li+. For comparison, identical cells were assembledusing a graphite electrode. FIG. 18 compares the performance of the twocells using different lower voltage cut-offs for graphite. It is wellknown that graphite performs poorly when cycled below zero volts due tolithium plating and irreversible capacity. Notice that the capacity ofgraphite with a 0 V cut-off window displays stable cycling. However,when the voltage window is widened to −15 mV, the reversible capacity isactually lower and unstable.

FIG. 19 compares the performance of the hard carbon two cells usingdifferent lower voltage cut-offs for graphite. Both the differentialcapacities and the voltage profiles show that the insertion mechanismfor lithium is identical for both voltage windows. The cycling stabilityplot indicates that a negative voltage cut-off provides a 25% increasein capacity with no stability losses. This is drastically different thanthe graphite, where the capacity was lower and unstable. It is clearthat hard carbons do not undergo the same detrimental lithium plating asin graphite. This may be due to the change in overpotential for lithiumplating, associated with the insertion of lithium into the pores of thehard carbon anode material.

Example 12 Purity Analysis of Ultrapure Synthetic Carbon

The ultrapure synthetic activated carbon samples were examined for theirimpurity content via proton induced x-ray emission (PIXE). PIXE is anindustry standard, high sensitive and accurate measurement forsimultaneous elemental analysis by excitation of the atoms in a sampleto produce characteristic X-rays which are detected and theirintensities identified and quantitated. PIXE capable of detection of allelements with atomic numbers ranging from 11 to 92 (i.e., from sodium touranium).

As seen in Table 7, the ultrapure synthetic activated carbons accordingto the instant disclosure have a lower PIXE impurity content and lowerask content as compared to other known carbon samples.

TABLE 7 Purity Analysis of Ultrapure Synthetic Activated Carbon &Comparison Carbons Impurity (Imp.) Concentration (PPM) Sample SampleSample Sample Sample Sample Sample Imp. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Na  ND* ND ND NDND 353.100 ND Mg ND ND ND ND ND 139.000 ND Al ND ND ND ND ND 63.85038.941 Si 53.840 92.346 25.892  17.939  23.602  34.670 513.517 P ND NDND ND ND ND 59.852 S ND ND ND ND ND 90.110 113.504 Cl ND ND ND ND ND28.230 9.126 K ND ND ND ND ND 44.210 76.953 Ca 21.090 16.971 6.141 9.2995.504 ND 119.804 Cr ND ND ND ND ND 4.310 3.744 Mn ND ND ND ND ND ND7.552 Fe 7.582 5.360 1.898 2.642 1.392 3.115 59.212 Ni 4.011 3.389 0.565ND ND 36.620 2.831 Cu 16.270 15.951 ND ND ND 7.927 17.011 Zn 1.397 0.6801.180 1.130 0.942 ND 2.151 Total 104.190 134.697 35.676  31.010  31.44 805.142 1024.198 (% Ash) (0.018) (0.025) (<0.007)  (0.006) (0.006)(0.13) (0.16) *ND = not detected by PIXE analysis

Example 13 Incorporation of Silicon Using Polymer Precursors

Silicon-oxide is incorporated into the carbon through the Si-containingprecursors added to the gel phase. A stock solution of RF is synthesizedin using resorcinol, water and formaldehyde with 35% solids and a ratioof 1:2 R:F. In a separate beaker, a 35% solids tetraethylorthosilane(TEOS) stock solution is mixed using ethanol as a solvent in a ratio of1:3 R:TEOS. The TEOS stock solution is slowly added to the RF stocksolution and stirred 40° C. until a gel is formed. The sample is sealedand heated at 70° C. After curing, the resulting gel is pyrolyzed at600° C. for 1 hr under nitrogen flow to yield the resulting SiO_(x)/Ccomposite. Additionally, the SiO_(x)/C composite can be furtheractivated to increase porosity and accessibility to the Si. To activate,the SiO_(x)/C sample was heated to 950° C. at 20° C./min at which pointthe gas is switched to CO₂ and held for 1.5 hours then cooled to roomtemperature under nitrogen.

Example 14 Incorporation of Silicon Powder to Polymer Gel

Silicon powder can be added prior to polymerization of the resin. Theamounts of reagents can be tailored based on the desired ratio of carbonto silicon powder in the final product. An RF resin was synthesizedusing resorcinol, water, formaldehyde and acetic acid with 35% solidsand a ratio of 1:2 R:F and 25:1 R:AA. Once the solids were fullydissolved, silicon powder was slowly added to achieve a 1:1 weight ratiocarbon/silicon after pyrolysis. The silicon was further dispersedthrough high-energy sonication. Finally, the solution was heated to 85°C. until polymerization occurs. The resulting silicon-RF gel was thencrushed and pyrolyzed under nitrogen flow at 600° C. to yield Si/Ccomposite. Alternatively, the gel can be freeze dried so as to retainthe pore structure to benefit the silicon expansion upon lithiation. Thesilicon powder can be in a variety of forms including, but not limitedto, particles, wires, whiskers and rods. The size can range from 1nanometer to 1 mm.

Example 15 Encapsulation of Silicon Powder in Polymer Gel byEmulsion/Suspension

Silicon can be incorporated into RF sol through emulsion to fullyencapsulate the silicon powder. A 200:1 v/v solution of cyclohexane andSPAN80 surfactant is prepared. The silicon-RF sol was prepared fromexample 2 through high energy sonication. The solution was added to thesurfactant solution and allowed to fully polymerize at 45° C. Once thegel fully polymerized, the gel particles were removed using filter paperand pyrolyzed as in example 2 to yield Si/C composite. Alternatively,the gel precursor can be prepared as a suspension in which thecyclohexane is substituted for mineral oil and no surfactant is added.The mineral oil is heated to 85° C. while stirring then the silicon-solfrom example 2 is added and allowed to polymerize (˜4 hrs).

Example 16 Surface Passivation of Si—C Nanocomposite

Silicon-C nanocomposite was placed in an alumina crucible and heated ina tube furnace under nitrogen flow to 800° C. The nitrogen flow wasdiverted through a flask containing liquid cyclohexane. The organiccyclohexane vapor was carried for 1 hour into the hot zone of thefurnace and carbonized on the surface of the silicon particles leavingbehind a soft carbon coating. Alternatively the organic species used canbe any non-oxygen bearing compound (e.g., ethylene, toluene, propane,benzene, etc.). In another embodiment, the peak temperature can bereduced or increased to allow a longer or shorter vapor phase lifetimefor the organic species, respectively. In another embodiment, the dwelltime at peak temperature can be reduced or increased to yield a thinneror thicker carbon coating, respectively.

Example 17 Si—C Nanocomposite Synthesis by High-Energy MechanicalGrinding

Silicon powder and carbon powder were ground together using a Fritchmillfor 15 minutes to yield a Si/C composite. The average particle size ofthe silicon powder ranges from 10 nm-50 um while the carbon powderparticle size ranges from 1 um-50 um. The weight ratios ofsilicon-carbon range from 1:4-5:1. The silicon can be in a crystallineor amorphous phase while the carbon is in an amorphous phase.Alternatively the resulting Si/C composite can be CVD coated as inexample 4 so as to better bind contact between the silicon and carbon.

Example 18 Si—C Nanocomposite Synthesis by Carbothermal Reduction

The SiOx/C composite from Example 1 was heated under nitrogen to 1900°C. and held for 1 hour or until the desired ratio of Si:C is achieved,then cooled to room temperature. Additional carbon can be mechanicallymixed prior to reduction. Alternatively, the reaction can be carried outunder hydrogen gas or in vacuum so as to better facilitate the reductionprocess and minimize side reactions.

Example 19 Nanocomposite Synthesis by Calciothermal Reduction

The SiO_(x)/C composite in Example 1 was added to Ca powder in a molarratio of 1:1.9 SiO_(x):Ca and mixed until homogenous. The powder waspoured into alumina crucible and place into tube furnace. The cruciblewas covered, but not sealed from gas, and heated to 720° C. at a ramp of20° C./min under nitrogen flow and held for 1 hour. The resulting Si/Ccomposite can be further washed with nitric acid to remove excesscalcium compounds.

Example 20 Si—C Nanocomposite Synthesis by Magnesiothermal Reduction

The SiO_(x)/C composite in Example 1 was added to Mg powder in a molarratio of 1:1.9 SiO_(x):Mg and mixed until homogenous. The powder waspoured into alumina crucible and place into tube furnace. The cruciblewas covered, but not sealed from gas, and heated to 720° C. at a ramp of20° C./min under nitrogen flow and held for 1 hour. The resulting Si/Ccomposite can be further washed with nitric acid to remove excessmagnesium compounds.

Example 21 Si—C Nanocomposite Synthesis by Electrochemical Reduction

The granular SiOx/C material from Example 1 was placed in a non-reactivemetal crucible (e.g., steel, nickel, Inconel). The container was filledwith calcium chloride powder and the entire container was positioned inthe center of a vertical tube furnace. An Inconel wire was connected tothe metal crucible and extended outside the furnace (anode terminal). Agraphite rod (cathode terminal) connected to a steel rod was positionedin contact with the calcium chloride powder in the hot zone of thefurnace. The furnace was sealed and continuously purged with nitrogengas then ramped up to 850° C. and held at which point the calciumchloride became molten. After ˜30 minutes at peak temperature a constantvoltage of 2.8V was applied to the terminals using a DC power supply.The current was monitored over time and the reaction was complete whenthe current no longer decreased. After cooling, the resulting Si/Csample was removed from the furnace and rinsed in distilled water toremove calcium compounds. Alternatively, the analogous reaction can becarried out in a room temperature ionic liquid in place of the moltencalcium chloride.

Example 22 Monolith Preparation of Polymer Gel with Hardening Agent

Polymer resins were prepared using the following general procedure. APoly[(phenol glycidyl ether)-(co-formaldehyde)] with 340-570 repeatingmolecular units was dissolved in acetone (50:50). Phthalic Anhydride(25:75) was added to the solution and shaken until dissolved. 85%(wt/wt) Phosphoric Acid in water was then added to the solution andshaken. The reaction solution was placed at elevated temperature (55° C.for about 12 hr followed by curing at 120° C. for 6 hr) to allow for theresin to crosslink.

Example 23 Monolith Preparation of Polymer Gel without Hardening Agent

Polymer resins were prepared using the following general procedure. APoly[(phenol glycidyl ether)-(co-formaldehyde)] with 340-570 repeatingmolecular units was dissolved in acetone (50:50). 85% (wt/wt) PhosphoricAcid in water was then added to the solution and shaken. The reactionsolution was placed at elevated temperature (55° C. for about 12 hrfollowed by curing at 120° C. for 6 hr) to allow for the resin tocrosslink.

Example 24 Solvent-Less Preparation of Polymer Gel with Hardening Agent

Polymer resins were prepared using the following general procedure. APoly[(phenol glycidyl ether)-(co-formaldehyde)] with 340-570 repeatingmolecular units was heated to elevated temperature (85° C. unlessotherwise stated) and mixed continuously. Phthalic Anhydride (25:75) wasadded to the viscous liquid epoxy and mixed until dissolved. 85% (wt/wt)Phosphoric Acid in water was then added to the liquid solution and mixeduntil solid. The solid resin product was placed at elevated temperature(120° C. for ≥6 hr) to allow for the resin to crosslink.

Example 25 Solvent-Less Preparation of Polymer Gel without HardeningAgent

Polymer resins were prepared using the following general procedure. APoly[(phenol glycidyl ether)-(co-formaldehyde)] with 340-570 repeatingmolecular units was heated to elevated temperature (85° C. unlessotherwise stated) and mixed continuously. 85% (wt/wt) Phosphoric Acid inwater was then added to the liquid solution and mixed until solid. Thesolid resin product was placed at elevated temperature (120° C. for ≥6hr) to allow for the resin to crosslink.

Example 26 Preparation of Polymer Gel with Varying Phosphorus Content

Polymer resins were prepared using the monolith or solvent-less processdescribed above in samples 1-4. 85% (wt/wt) Phosphoric Acid in water(varying amount from 1% to 40% wt/wt) was then added to the liquidsolution containing a Poly[(phenol glycidyl ether)-(co-formaldehyde)]and mixed. The solid resin product was placed at elevated temperature(120° C. for ≥6 hr) to allow for the resin to crosslink.

Example 27 Preparation of Polymer Gel with Varying Hardening AgentContent

Polymer resins were prepared using the monolith or solvent-less processdescribed above in samples 1-5. Phthalic Anhydride (varying amount from0% to 40% wt/wt) was then added to the liquid epoxy solution containinga Poly[(phenol glycidyl ether)-(co-formaldehyde)] and mixed. 85% (wt/wt)Phosphoric Acid in water was then added to the liquid solution andmixed. The solid resin product was placed at elevated temperature (120°C. for ≥6 hr) to allow for the resin to crosslink.

Example 28 Resin Characterization by Fourier Transform InfraredSpectroscopy

The raw materials and several iterations of the resin were analyzed witha Thermo Fischer Scientific Nicolet iS10 FTIR spectrometer with an ATRaccessory. The FTIR spectra of the neat epoxy resin (˜570 MW),phosphoric acid (31.5% conc.), and the epoxy-P resin (20 wt % acid) areshown in FIGS. 30 and 31. Note that the phosphoric acid was diluted from85 wt % with deionized water for the safety of the instrument. The FTIRspectra show that the cured resin is chemically different than the tworeactants. One notable difference between the neat epoxy and the epoxy-Presin is the disappearance of the epoxide bending vibration at ˜910cm⁻¹. This observation provides significant evidence of the crosslinkingof the epoxy molecules through reaction between the phosphoric acid andthe epoxide functional group. FIG. 32 shows the effect of phosphoricacid loading on the epoxide content of the epoxy-P resin. With theaddition of ≥10% H₃PO₄, the remaining concentration of epoxide groupswas below the instrument detection limit.

Example 29 Resin Characterization by TGA

A sample of novalac epoxy and phosphoric acid was mixed in the meltstate in a 3:1 molar ration (epoxy to phosphoric acid). The resin wascured at 120° C. for 12 hour. The TGA test was performed under N2 at 10°C./min ramp rate. The TGA data are depicted in FIG. 33. The exotherm at250° C. could be explained by a reaction of the phosphoric acid andremaining unreacted epoxy groups that may control resin 3-D structureresulting in a desirable carbon structure and both improved gravimetriccapacity and first cycle efficiency vs. the unmodified epoxy resin.

Example 30 Determination of Carbon Phosphorous Content by TXRF

Exemplary carbons produced according to the various examples above weretested for phosphorus content by TXRF spectroscopy. Carbon wassynthesized from reins produced using both the solvent process (as inExamples 4, 22, 23, 26, 27) and solvent-less process (as in Examples 4,24, 25, 26, 27) were analyzed. A Bruker S2 PICOFOX spectrometer was usedfor the study. Samples were prepared by milling to achieve a D(1.00)<100μm particle size, then making a suspension consisting of the milledcarbon, ethylene glycol, and Ga as an internal standard. Aliquots wereplaced on optically flat quartz disks and dried, leaving a thin residuefor analysis. The results of the analysis, and the amount of phosphoricacid added during resin synthesis, are summarized in the table belowTable 4.

TABLE 4 Tunability of Phosphorous Content P Content in HC Sample (%)Carbon 12a 6.45 Carbon 12b 5.21 Carbon 12c 2.9 Carbon 12d 9.34 Carbon12e 4.01 Carbon 12f 11.67 Carbon 12g 7.28 Carbon 12h 4.73 Carbon 12i8.29 Carbon 12j 5.37 Carbon 12k 12.99 Carbon 12l 7.16

Example 31 Preparation of Hard Carbon from Polymer Gel at Large Scale

A Polymer resin was prepared using the following general procedure. APoly[(phenol glycidyl ether)-(co-formaldehyde)] with between 300 and 600repeating molecular units and an 85% phosphoric acid aqueous solutionwere mixed and cured via an extrusions process.

The cured polymer resin was pyrolyzed in a rotary kiln according to themethods described generally herein.

The hard carbon was the examined for its electrochemical propertiesgenerally according to the methods described herein. Electrochemicaldata is described in Table 5.

TABLE 5 1st Cycle 1st Cycle 1st Cycle Insertion Extraction EfficiencySample (mAh/g) (mAh/g) (%) Carbon 16a 761 619 81.3

Example 32 Preparation of Composite Resin with Solvent

A polymer sol was prepared by dissolvingpolyphenylglycidylether-co-formaldehyde (PPGEF) polymer in acetonesolvent (1:20 v/v) inside a sealed plastic container. Once the resin wasdissolved, silicon powder (1:5 w/w resin to silicon) is added to thesolution and dispersed via sonication followed by vortexing (shaking).The dispersed silicon/resin solution was transferred to an opencontainer on a hot plate where it is continuously stirred (300 rpm) andheated (85° C.). At this point, phosphoric acid was added to thesolution (equal to 20 wt % of the resin in solution). The solutioncontinues to stir and heat until either solvent loss or polymerizationleads to disruption of the stirring process. The silicon-gel istransferred to an oven set to 120° C. and cured for >8 hours.

Example 33 Alternative Preparation of Composite Resin without Solvent

Alternatively, a solventless preparation process can be used analogousto Example 32 without the use of acetone. In this process, PPGEF resinis stirred and heated on a hot plate wherein the silicon powder is addedand allowed to disperse within the resin for >1 hour. At this point,phosphoric acid (20 wt % to resin) is added to react with the resin thuscausing polymerization of the silicon dispersed gel. This is cured at atemperature of 120° C. for >8 hours.

Example 34 Alternative Solvent-Less Synthesis of Composite Resin

In another solventless embodiment, the resin can be in the form of asolid rather than a liquid in this case 1:1 w/w mixture of Bisphenol A(BPA) and hexamethylentramine (HMT). In this process, BPA/HMT in powderform is mechanically mixed with silicon powder (0.5:0.5:1.8 w/w/w) toform a homogeneous powder mixture. This is cured at 130° C. for 16 hoursto produce the silicon-gel composite.

Example 35 Preparation of Composite Resin Using Encapsulation Techniques

In another embodiment, silicon incased in a polymer sol can be prepared.In this process melamine is allowed to dissolve in water throughstirring and heating. Once dissolved, a formaldehyde solution is thenadded and stirred until the solution becomes clear. A suspension ofsilicon particles in water is then added to the melamine/formaldehydesolution. Next, a solution of TWEEN80 surfactant and water is then addedand allowed to stir for 10 minutes. Finally, 1M HCl is added to catalyzethe reaction. The mixture is then cured for 12 hours at 100° C. toproduce silicon particles incased in melamine/formaldehyde polymer.

Other embodiments of silicon particles incased in polymer resin can beprepared using a Resorcinol/Formaldehyde polymer. Resorcinol isdissolved in water on a hot plate while stirring. Ammonium acetate andSnCl2 are added to the solution and held for 10 minutes. Glacial aceticacid is then added and the solution is mixed for 12 hours. In aseparated vessel, cyclohexane and SPAN80 (5 wt %) are mixed and heatedto 80° C. Formaldehyde is added to the resorcinol solution and held for10 minutes. The Resorcinol/Formaldehyde solution is then added to thestirring and heated cyclohexane solution. The resin is then cured for 4hours at 80° C. The resulting resin is filtered out and dried in an ovenat 100° C. for 12 hours.

Example 36 Preparation of Pyrolyzed Composite Through Thermal Processing

Pyrolysis of silicon-gels is carried out such that resins produced inExamples 32-35 are heated (@10° C./min) in a tube furnace under a flow(300 cc/min) of nitrogen gas to a temperature of 1050° C. where it isheld for 1 hour and then ramped down to room temperature.

In variations of the above procedure, the silicon particles employed(for example in Examples 32-35) are sized for the appropriateapplication. For example the particles can be nano-sized (i.e.,nanoparticles) or micron sized, or combinations thereof. For example, insome variations of the above procedures, the silicon particles usedrange in size from about 10 nm to about 50 nm or from about 50 nm toabout 200 nm. In more variations of the above, materials are preparedusing silicon particles have a size ranging from about 10 nm to about200 nm, from about 200 nm to about 500 nm or from about 500 nm to about1000 nm. Micron sized particles are also used for preparation of theabove materials and such particles generally have a size ranging fromabout 1000 nm to about 1500 nm or from about 1500 nm to about 2000 nm.Other exemplary procedures include use of silicon particles ranging insize from about 2000 nm to about 4000 nm or from about 4000 nm to about6000 nm.

Example 37 In-Situ Surface Modification During Pyrolysis

Composite-resins produced in Example 32-35 are pyrolyzed in the presenceof hydrocarbon vapor. The silicon-gel is heated (@ 10° C./min) in a tubefurnace under a flow (300 cc/min) of nitrogen gas to a temperature of1050° C. where it holds for 1 hour then ramps down to room temperature.During this process the nitrogen flow is first bubbled through a chambercontaining liquid xylene. The xylene vapors are then carried into thetube furnace hot zone containing the silicon-gel sample where the xylenevapor then decomposes on the surface of the Si/C material where itchemically deposits (CVD) carbon on the surface. Alternativehydrocarbons can be used including ethylene, cyclohexane, toluene, andpropane.

Example 38 Size Reduction of Composite Through Micronization Techniques

Micronization of silicon-carbon or silicone-gel is done such thatmaterial produced in examples 32-37 are milled in an automated mortarand pestle (Fritsch Mill) for 20 minutes using 15-20 deca-Newtons ofdownward force. The resulting material is then removed from the mill andrun through a 38 micron sieve.

Other embodiments of micronization techniques can be done by running thematerials produced in example 1-7 through a JetMill using 120 PSI ofnitrogen or air to force the granular material into the mill. Theresulting material is then milled down to micron size and can bemeasured using a Mastersizer 3000.

Example 39 Electrochemical Performance of Composites Comprising HighElectrochemically Modifier Content

FIG. 27 shows the electrochemical stability and behavior of an exemplaryhigh electrochemical modifier content composite, cycled between 1 and 50mV. As the electrochemical modifier content increases, the capacity alsoincreases. The highest capacity is seen for the 90% electrochemicalmodifier loading while the most stable performance is with the 50%electrochemical modifier loading.

Example 40 Electrochemical Performance of Composites Comprising LowElectrochemically Modifier Content

There may be instances wherein a higher capacity is not needed in favorof a slight performance enhancement. FIG. 28 depicts exemplarycomposites wherein the electrochemical modifier content is low (5-15%)when compared to the carbon. All of these composites display strongstability though a lower capacity when compared to the highelectrochemical modifier content composites.

Example 41 Post-Pyrolysis Composite Surface Modifications

Post-carbonization surface treatments of the composite can be carriedout on materials produced from examples 36-38. The material is heated(@10° C./min) in a tube furnace under a flow (300 cc/min) of nitrogengas to a temperature of 1050° C. where it holds for 1 hour then rampsdown to room temperature.

Other embodiments of example 10 can be carried out with additional gasduring heating. For this process, a material is heated (@ 10° C./min) ina tube furnace under a flow (300 cc/min) of nitrogen gas to atemperature of 1050° C. where it is held for 1 hour then ramps down toroom temperature. During this process the nitrogen flow is first bubbledthrough a chamber containing liquid xylene. The xylene vapors are thencarried into the tube furnace hot zone containing the silicon-gel samplewhere the xylene vapor then decomposes on the surface of the Si/Cmaterial where it chemically deposits (CVD) carbon on the surface.Alternative hydrocarbons can be used including methane, ethane,ethylene, cyclohexane, toluene, propane or combinations thereof.

Example 42 Si—C Nanocomposite Synthesis by Silicon Vapor Deposition

The composite can be synthesized via vapor phase chemical reactions. Ina typical experiment 0.5 grams of activated carbon is placed in analumina crucible and positioned in the center (hot zone) of a tubefurnace. Upstream of the carbon is another crucible containing 6 gramsof zinc metal powder. The furnace is sealed then purged continuouslywith nitrogen gas at ˜300 cc/min flow rate. The temperature is ramped at20° C./min to a peak temperature of 850° C. At peak temperature the gasflow is diverted through a flask containing silicon tetrachlorideliquid. The silicon tetrachloride vapors are carried into the furnacewhere it reacts in the vapor phase with zinc vapors (produced from themolten zinc metal). The zinc metal chemically reduces the silicontetrachloride to elemental silicon, which deposits as solidnanoparticles on the surface and pores of the carbon within the hot zoneof the furnace. The process is allowed to continue for 1 hour at roomtemperature before switching the gas flow to pure nitrogen and coolingto room temperature. The resulting Si/C composite is collected in thecrucible at the end.

The composite can be using a different silicon precursor vapor and nozinc metal. In a typical experiment 0.5 grams of activated carbon isplaced in an alumina crucible then positioned in the center (hot zone)of a tube furnace. The furnace is sealed then purged continuously withnitrogen gas at ˜300 cc/min flow rate. The temperature is ramped at 20°C./min to a peak temperature of 550° C. At peak temperature the gas flowis switched to a mixed gas of 5 mol % Silane (SiH4)/argon. This gasmixture enters the hot zone of the furnace and thermally decomposes onthe surface and pores of the carbon into elemental siliconnanoparticles. The reaction is allowed to continue for 1 hr before thegas flow is diverted back to pure nitrogen and then cooled to roomtemperature. The resulting Si/C composite is collected in the crucibleat the end.

Example 43 Multi-Allotrope Nanocomposite Synthesis by Through ParticleInclusion in Resin

In a typical synthesis, 4 grams of PPGEF resin is added to a 60 mL PPbottle along with 13 mL of acetone and then completely dissolved. Onegram of silicon powder added and dispersed in the epoxy solution. Onegram of graphite powder is added to the epoxy/silicon solution. Themixture is sonicated for 10 minutes followed by vortexing for 10minutes. The mixture is poured into a beaker with a stir bar then placedon a hot plate and heated to 80° C. while stirring (300 rpm). 0.560 mLof 85% w/w phosphoric acid is added and completely dissolved in theacetone mixture. The mixture is continuously stirred and heated untilgelation occurs as evidenced by a disruption in the stirring(solidification). The resulting resin is cured at 60° C. for >12 hoursthen increased to 120° C. for an additional 12 hours. The material canbe subsequently pyrolyzed using optimal conditions to give superiorperformance.

Example 44 Incorporation of Iron Oxide in Composite Resin

In a typical experiment an epoxy-acetone solution is prepared byweighing out 10 grams of PPGEF epoxy resin into a plastic container then10 mL of acetone is added and mixed to fully dissolve the resin. Next0.2 grams of iron oxide nanopowder is added to the solution anddispersed via sonication for 1 hr then vortexing for 4 hours. At thispoint, the suspension is poured into a beaker on a hot plate where it isheated to 80° C. and stirred continuously at 300 rpm. Lastly 0.2 gramsof phosphoric acid is added to the solution then allowed to react. Whenthe gelation reaction causes disruption in the stirring the gel istransferred to a convection oven where it is allowed to cure for 12hours at 120° C.

Example 45 Incorporation of Manganese in Composite Resin

An epoxy-acetone solution is prepared by weighing out 10 grams of PPGEFepoxy resin into a plastic container then 10 mL of acetone is added andmixed to fully dissolve the resin. Next 0.3 grams of manganese acetateis added to the solution and dissolved via sonication for 1 hr thenvortexing for 4 hours. At this point, the solution is poured into abeaker on a hot plate where it is heated to 80° C. and stirredcontinuously at 300 rpm. Lastly 0.2 grams of phosphoric acid is added tothe solution then allowed to react. When the gelation reaction causesdisruption in the stirring the gel is transferred to a convection ovenwhere it is allowed to cure for 12 hours at 120° C.

Example 45 Metal-Carbon Composite

Metal carbon composite prepared using an incipient wetness technique Ina typical synthesis 1 grams of tin chloride is dissolved in 10 mL ofacetone. This solution is gradually dripped onto the surface of milledactivated carbon until the point of saturation at which point it isdried in a convection oven at 80° C. for 15 minutes. The process iscontinued until all of the tin chloride solution has been consumed. Thefinal tin chloride/carbon material is heated to 800° C. for 1 hr in atube furnace under flowing nitrogen to produce the Sn/C composite.

Example 47 Summary of Electrochemical Performance of Composites

TABLE 6 Electrochemical Performance of Representative Composites ΔQ Full1st Cyc. 1st Cycle 1st Cycle 5th Cycle Spec. Surf. Pore Vol. Cap. Cellvs. Ins. Q Eff. Ext. Q Q Area Vol. No. Ex. No.¹ % Si (mAh/cc)² graphite(mAh/g)³ (%)⁴ (mAh/g)⁵ Ret.⁶ (m²/g)⁷ (cm³/g)⁸ 1 17, 1, 3, 4,  5% 164518% 901 59% 531 87% N/A N/A 5, 6, 7, 40 2 17, 1, 3, 4, 10% 1692 18% 91559% 537 83% N/A N/A 5, 6, 7, 40 3 17, 1, 3, 4, 20% 1327 15% 717 56% 40180% N/A N/A 5, 6, 7 4 17, 1, 3, 4, 50% 6651 27% 3595 33% 1193  3% N/AN/A 5, 6, 7 5 8, 23, 25, 75% 2151 21% 1163 47% 552  8% N/A N/A 26, 33,36, 38 6 8, 23, 25, 82% 376 −24%  203 47% 95 15% N/A N/A 26, 33, 36, 387 1, 3, 4, 5, 66% 1847 20% 999 73% 725 146%  13 0.10 16, 17, 41 8 1, 3,4, 5, 75% 1838 19% 993 69% 690 184%  12 0.09 16, 17, 41 9 1, 3, 4, 5,80% 1839 19% 994 74% 733 155%   8 0.06 16, 17, 41 10 1, 3, 4, 5, 83%1856 19% 1003 72% 720 166%  12 0.09 16, 17, 41 11 35, 36 50% 3164 24%1710 69% 1174 83% N/A N/A 12 23, 26, 32, 30% 2044 20% 1105 80% 883 97%25 0.05 36, 38, 43 13 23, 26, 32, 10% 1106 12% 598 76% 456 96% 24 0.0336, 38, 40 14 23, 26, 32, 15% 1364 15% 737 72% 527 99% 40 0.05 36, 38,40 15 23, 26, 32,  5% 1111 12% 600 72% 435 91% 29 0.04 36, 38, 40 16 23,26, 32, 10% 1499 17% 810 69% 560 N/A 23 0.03 36, 38, 40 17 23, 26, 32,15% 1729 19% 934 31% 293 22% 42 0.04 36, 38, 40 18 23, 26, 32,  5% 124514% 673 77% 521 64% 13 0.01 36, 38, 40 19 23, 26, 32, 50% 3788 25% 204775% 1538 41% 35 0.04 36, 38, 40 20 23, 26, 33, 70% 1928 20% 1042 77% 806100%  26 0.04 36, 38, 40 21 23, 26, 33, 90% 4466 26% 2414 82% 1988 48%22 0.04 36, 38, 40 22 23, 36, 38,  5% 1065 11% 576 80% 458 98% N/A N/A44 23 23, 36, 38, 50% 1043 11% 564 31% 174 73% N/A N/A 44 24 23, 36, 38 5% 1118 12% 604 76% 462 97% N/A N/A 25 23, 36, 38,  5% 1145 12% 619 61%376 97% N/A N/A 45 26 23, 13, 36,  5% 1201 14% 649 65% 420 93% N/A N/A38 27 23, 36, 38 50% 1325 15% 716 54% 389 61% N/A N/A 28 23, 36, 38 80%1677 18% 906 51% 459 46% N/A N/A 29 15, 35, 36 50% 1347 15% 728 32% 23160% 740  0.30 30 42 18% N/A NA N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 31 41, 46 50%2379 22% 1286 24% 306 56% 663  0.55 ¹Refers to example number forpreparation of sample. ²Volumetric capacity ³1^(st) cycle insertion⁴1^(st) cycle efficiency ⁵1^(st) cycle extraction ⁶5^(th) cycleretention ⁷Specific surface area ⁸Pore volume

The various embodiments described above can be combined to providefurther embodiments. All of the U.S. patents, U.S. patent applicationpublications, U.S. patent applications, foreign patents, foreign patentapplications and non-patent publications referred to in thisspecification and/or listed in the Application Data Sheet, areincorporated herein by reference, in their entirety. Aspects of theembodiments can be modified, if necessary to employ concepts of thevarious patents, applications and publications to provide yet furtherembodiments. These and other changes can be made to the embodiments inlight of the above-detailed description. In general, in the followingclaims, the terms used should not be construed to limit the claims tothe specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and the claims,but should be construed to include all possible embodiments along withthe full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.Accordingly, the claims are not limited by the disclosure.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method for preparing a silicon-carboncomposite, the method comprising contacting an amorphous activatedporous carbon material having a total pore volume ranging from 0.6 cc/gto 1.0 cc/g with a gas comprising silane at a temperature of 450° C.,thereby depositing elemental silicon in a pore of the porous carbonmaterial to form the silicon-carbon composite.
 2. The method of claim 1,wherein the gas comprising silane further comprises nitrogen.
 3. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the amorphous activated porous carbonmaterial is contacted with the gas comprising silane for a period oftime ranging from 5 minutes to 5 hours.
 4. The method of claim 1,wherein the amorphous activated porous carbon material is contacted withthe gas comprising silane in a kiln or fluidized bed.
 5. The method ofclaim 4, wherein the kiln is a rotary kiln.
 6. The method of claim 1,wherein the amorphous activated porous carbon material is contacted withthe gas comprising silane at a pressure below atmospheric pressure. 7.The method of claim 1, wherein the amorphous activated porous carbonmaterial has a fractional pore surface area of pores at or below 100 nmthat comprises at least 50% of the total pore surface area.
 8. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the amorphous activated porous carbonmaterial has a fractional pore surface area of pores at or below 100 nmthat comprises at least 90% of the total pore surface area.
 9. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the amorphous activated porous carbonmaterial comprises particles having a median particle diameter rangingfrom 1 micron to 10 microns.
 10. A method for preparing a silicon-carboncomposite, the method comprising contacting an amorphous activatedporous carbon material having a total pore volume ranging from 0.6 cc/gto 1.0 cc/g with a gas comprising silane at a temperature between 450°C. and 500° C., thereby depositing elemental silicon in a pore of theporous carbon material to form the silicon-carbon composite.
 11. Themethod of claim 10, wherein the gas comprising silane further comprisesnitrogen.
 12. The method of claim 10, wherein the amorphous activatedporous carbon material is contacted with the gas comprising silane for aperiod of time ranging from 5 minutes to 5 hours.
 13. The method ofclaim 10, wherein the amorphous activated porous carbon material iscontacted with the gas comprising silane in a kiln or fluidized bed. 14.The method of claim 13, wherein the kiln is a rotary kiln.
 15. Themethod of claim 10, wherein the amorphous activated porous carbonmaterial is contacted with the gas comprising silane at a pressure belowatmospheric pressure.
 16. The method of claim 10, wherein the amorphousactivated porous carbon material has a fractional pore surface area ofpores at or below 100 nm that comprises at least 50% of the total poresurface area.
 17. The method of claim 10, wherein the amorphousactivated porous carbon material has a fractional pore surface area ofpores at or below 100 nm that comprises at least 90% of the total poresurface area.
 18. The method of claim 10, wherein the amorphousactivated porous carbon material comprises particles having a medianparticle diameter ranging from 1 micron to 10 microns.